An expected new role for Caleb Downs in 2025? The Alabama transfer is no stranger to the spotlight. And as Ohio State inches closer to the 2025 season, the star safety finds himself at the center of a new conversation. Ryan Day is keeping an old idea alive — one that could see Downs take on an expanded role beyond the Buckeyes’ secondary. 

Last season, Ohio State toyed with the idea of utilising Caleb Downs as a running back. But the plan never materialized as he became a cornerstone in defense. But with the Buckeyes in the middle of spring training, whispers of a new role have returned. 

In an interview with Eleven Warriors on April 1, Caleb Downs opened up about his evolving role within the Buckeyes’ defense and the possibility of seeing time on offense. When asked about how his role might change under the new DC Matt Patricia, the 20-year-old emphasized his versatility. “Just being in new positions, the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, playing dime and stuff like that,” he said. “Bring out in different positions that I wasn’t maybe put in last year to have different things on the film. I think it’s a great thing. Always good to have versatility as I said and that’s something I pride myself on. So looking forward to it.” With Patricia implementing his system, the question is if Downs will see time in the backfield. 

Last June, Ryan Day stated that Caleb Downs expressed interest in the RB role. It’s no wonder because he was an exceptional RB in high school before moving to defense in college. “It was part of the recruiting process, possibly doing a little bit of running back as well,” Day said last season. “It’s something he wanted to do. We’ve been having him in some of the meetings and some of the individual drills as a possibility there if needed down the road as we continue to build depth at that position.”

As for the Buckeyes’ safety and punt returner, he’s all in on whatever his coaches deem him to be. “That’s in Coach Day and Coach Hart’s hands, so I can’t really think about that,” he said. “But if I get the chance to go back there, it’ll be an honor, and I’ll try to pick another play.” Ryan Day told reporters during his Monday press conference that “it could be up for discussion in the preseason, but not right now.” Right now, the goal is to give Caleb Downs adequate rest from action — “He’s still coming back from a nagging injury. We wanna make sure he’s good to go, and he will be.” Downs also gave a positive update to the Buckeye Nation. 

Caleb Downs’ injury update

Caleb Downs isn’t letting his injury slow him down. But Ohio State’s coaches are taking no chances. Speaking to reporters, he downplayed any concerns, explaining that his limited reps are due to managing the wear and tear from playing 910 snaps last season, the most of any Buckeye defender. “I’m good for the most part,” he said. “I had the most snap count on the season on the team last year. So just limiting plays like that.”

Starting in all 16 games in 2024, Caleb Downs posted 82 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups en route to All-American honors. While he insists he feels fine, his lighter workload in the Buckeyes’ spring practice has opened opportunities for sophomore Jaylen McClain and junior Malik Hartford for more reps in the secondary. As Coach Day noted, “I think Jaylen and Malik have made a move at safety, and that’s been good.”

Ohio State remains cautious. But once Caleb Downs is fully cleared, the Buckeyes could revisit using him on offense — a possibility that remains intriguing heading into fall camp.