Is Caleb Downs playing today? Ohio State safety's availability for Week 1 explored

Caleb Downs was one of Ohio State football's best moves in the transfer portal this offseason. He was one of the country’s top safeties at Alabama last season and earned the SEC Newcomer of the Year award last season. With national championship aspirations brewing for Ryan Day at Ohio State once again, Downs will bolster a defense that struggled with interceptions last year.

Caleb Downs injury update

Caleb Downs is not injured and is set to play in Ohio State's Week 1 game against the Akron Zips on Saturday, August 31, at the Ohio Stadium.

Ryan Day reveals plan for Caleb Downs

Caleb Downs is already proving to be a versatile asset following his acquisition by Ohio State. While his success at Alabama came as a defensive back, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day has an innovative plan to utilize his services. The team is also considering using Downs as a running back.

"It’s something he wanted to do. We’ve been having him in the meetings and some of the individual drills—as a possibility there if he’s needed down the road—to continue to build depth at the position," Ryan Day told Eleven Warriors (per Sports Illustrated).

Ohio State HC suggested that, with the expanded College Football Playoff format, having Downs available for multiple roles could be advantageous.

“We don’t have a specific plan now, but we want to introduce him to (the running back position). Where it goes, we’ll see, but you just never know. We’re trying to put some contingency plans in place because it could be a long season.”

Downs himself is enthusiastic about the idea of playing both ways. Talking to reporters after Tuesday’s practice session, the Georgia native said (per 247 Sports):

“I definitely take [playing both ways] serious. I'm an elite player with the ball in my hands. If I played on offense, maybe a maximum of 10 snaps a game. I have an idea of what it would be like because of high school. I played a lot of plays in high school. Travis (Hunter) is doing that at an elite level.”

While Downs did not play offensive snaps at Alabama, he did return punts, including a touchdown.