Ohio State Buckeyes Last season we were able to acquire a number of star players through the transfer portal that helped the program push for a National Championship. However, there is one player who could potentially be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Safety Caleb Downs continued to be one of the best players in college football this season after an impressive freshman season in 2023. The former five-star receiver and Alabama standout has already totaled 34 tackles and three pass deflections.

NFL draft analyst Todd McShay shared his thoughts on social media Monday night, calling Downs the best safety in the country.

While the Buckeyes have several draft-eligible prospects on their roster, it was Downs who caught McShay’s attention. The last time Ohio State safety was selected in the NFL Draft was in 2020, when Jordan Fuller was selected by the NBA in the sixth round. Los Angeles Rams. Downs will also be the Buckeyes’ first safety selected in the first round since Malik Hooker in 2017.

Downs wouldn’t be the first member of his family to join the NFL. His father, GaryHe was a running back selected in the third round. New York Giants In 1994. his older brother, Joshcurrently in the NFL as a wide receiver Indianapolis Colts. However, the highly touted safety has a chance to be the first in his family to be drafted in the first round.