PFF explains why Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is best defender in college football
Pro Football Focus is a believer, too, because it ranked Smith and Downs as the two best players in its '2025 PFF College 50.' It's one thing to just say that, it's another to explain it to the masses and PFF did just that recently for both players. We've already heard why Smith is the best overall player, so what about Downs?
"At No. 2, is Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State -- the best defensive player in college football," PFF said. "Over those last two years, he's the most valuable safety in college football according to our wins above average metric. (Has a) 91.7 PFF grade -- second among all safeties over the last two years -- 91.2 coverage grade, third among all safeties over the last two years. Can thrive in the free safety slot, corner, or in the box."
You'll get no argument from us. Downs was so important to the defense last year that they moved him down in the box almost like a linebacker and just let him roam the field to make plays. He was a Freshman All-American at Alabama and continued to perform at Ohio State, being named a unanimous All-American.
His upcoming junior year should be even more special.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
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