The Ohio State Buckeyes are the betting favorites to be the College Football Playoff National Champions and will get another chance to prove themselves this upcoming weekend against the Michigan Wolverines.
They’re in that position partially because of safety Caleb Downs, who has been a star for the Buckeyes this season. Downs has been a key weapon for the team’s secondary and is blossoming during his first season in Columbus.
That said, he’s been so good that he’s been named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. Here’s the official release from the program’s Twitter/X account.
2️⃣ is the Best Defensive Player in the country, earning hi❌ a Finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award ‼️
@caleb_downs2 x @MaxwellFootball pic.twitter.com/eEhncYKGQZ— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 26, 2024
Downs, who also had a punt return for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Buckeyes’ dominant 38-15 home victory Saturday, has totaled 30 solo tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for a loss this season.
Despite Downs having yet to have an interception, his impact has been unmatched. Two other players were finalists with Downs as both Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter cracked the list.
