OSU’s Caleb Downs a finalist for Thorpe and Bednarik Awards

Ohio State sophomore safety Caleb Downs has been named as a finalist for two major national awards: the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and the Bednarik Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club.

The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the nation's best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the defensive player of the year in college football. Downs is making the case that he is both.

A physical, fast and terrific leader of the defense from the back end, Downs ranked third on the Buckeyes with 51 solo tackles and second with 30 solo stops at the time of the announcement. His 6.5 tackles-for-loss lead all Big Ten Conference defensive backs and are tied for fourth nationally among defensive backs. He also has three pass break-ups and a quarterback hurry.

His stats include five-or-more tackles in seven games, two touchdown saving tackles vs. Nebraska, a season-high eight tackles vs. Oregon, six physical stops vs. Michigan State and four aggressive solos in the win over Penn State.

Downs electrified the Ohio Stadium crowd last month with the first Ohio State punt return for a touchdown in 10 years. After Ohio State forced a 3-and-out early in the third quarter in a tight, 14-7, game with No. 5 Indiana, Downs took the ensuing punt 79 yards for the momentum generating score and a 21-7 lead. The Buckeyes went on to win their second game against a Top 5 opponent this season, 38-15.

Downs, from Hoschton, Ga., and Mill Creek High School who transferred to Ohio State after his freshman season at Alabama, is a leader on a defensive unit that is one of the best in the nation: No. 1 nationally in total defense (241.7), scoring defense (10.7) and red zone touchdown pct. (9-25; 36.0 pct.), No.3 vs. the rush (90.0) and No. 4 in fewest passing yards (151.7).

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