Where did Caleb Downs transfer to? A look at the former Alabama star's new program following Nick Saban's exit

Caleb Downs joined the transfer portal in January after his freshman season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The star safety joined the Ohio State Buckeyes ahead of his sophomore season.

Downs hit the transfer portal following Nick Saban's retirement. He won't be part of Kalen DeBoer's new dispensation at the Crimson Tide.

Caleb Downs had an impressive freshman year

Caleb Downs was a highly recruited prospect out of high school and ultimately spurned numerous offers to join the Alabama Crimson Tide. Downs was a crucial part of Nick Saban's secondary, putting up a stat line of 107 tackles, three pass deflections, one forced fumble and two interceptions.

Downs earned numerous accolades, including but not limited to the CBS Sports Freshman of the Year Award, All-SEC second team and SEC All-Freshman honors. He was also the first freshman in the history of the Alabama Crimson Tide to lead the program in tackles.

Downs joins a stacked Ohio State secondary/defense that includes defensive linemen J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams and Jack Sawyer. His departure is one of the many losses of the Crimson Tide secondary, which lost Dezz Ricks to Texas A&M, Trey Amos to Ole Miss and Antonio Kite to Auburn.

Caleb Downs will be eligible for the 2026 NFL draft

Caleb Downs enters his sophomore season as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He is one of the country's best second-year players, and he looks poised to build his stock ahead of the 2026 NFL draft at the soonest.

According to NCAA football rules, players are eligible for the NFL draft after three years of high school. Downs is entering his second season post-high school, so he still has at least two more years of collegiate participation before he enters the draft.

Downs will be aiming to improve his already stellar reputation in a new environment at Ohio State. It's a new season, but the expectation remains the same, as he and his new team will aim to bring the CFP National Championship home.