Caleb Downs a Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist
11/10/2025 3:35:00 PM | Football
Unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year leads No. 1 ranked defense
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State junior safety Caleb Downs has been named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation for on-field performance and also academic standing, community contributions, leadership and overall character. Downs was a finalist for the award in 2024.
Downs is a leader on the nation's top-rated defense, a unit that is Top 5 in no less than 14 different categories, including the big four of scoring (No. 1 at 7.2 points per game), total defense (No. 1 at 211.6 yards per game), passing (No. 2 at 128.7 yards per game) and rushing (No. 5 at 82.9 yards per game).
This season Downs is third on team with 43 tackles, including 28 solo stops, plus has two TFLs, two INTs and one QB hurry. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Ohio State's ability to disguise defenses was "elite" and it all started with Caleb Downs.
Selected as a team captain by his Ohio State peers, Downs is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in college football. Pro Football Focus and Joel Klatt each listed him as the No. 2 overall player this year (behind teammate Jeremiah Smith).
Off the field, Downs has partnered with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to raise funds and fight food insecurity in central and eastern Ohio with a special focus on holiday meals. His work there included working at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank's on-site kitchen preparing meals for local school kids. The partnership came about through the Trust Downs Foundation, which he co-founded with his brother, Josh, who is a wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts. The foundation helps to combat homelessness in Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Columbus. They have held fundraising events, such as a recent one last July at Topgolf in Columbus, with proceeds benefiting organizations such as the Huckleberry House, which helps homeless youth.
Downs is an OSU Scholar-Athlete and is in the Fisher College of Business majoring in real estate and urban analysis. He is from Hoschton, Ga.
