Caleb Downs Reflects on Nick Saban’s Retirement and His Transfer to Ohio State
Caleb Downs, one of the top recruits in the 2023 class, began his college football journey at Alabama, joining Nick Saban’s storied program. The Georgia native made an immediate impact as a true freshman, recording 107 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions during the 2023 season. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when Saban announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Downs described Saban’s retirement as a “huge shock” that greatly influenced his decision to transfer. “I didn’t see it coming at all,” Downs admitted. “Even when he said it, I was like, did this really just happen? That was one of the main reasons I went to Alabama. It was a really difficult time for me.”
Saban’s departure caused significant upheaval within the program, with 40 players entering the transfer portal, many of whom left following the announcement. Despite the uncertainty, Downs initially attempted to adjust to the new coaching regime under Kalen DeBoer.
“I didn’t know right away that I was going to hit the portal,” Downs said. “I tried to give every opportunity to stay. I stayed for an extra six days, just to feel out the new coaching staff and see if I could make it work. At that time, I didn’t really want to leave. I wanted to stick to my high school choice to stay there. And it didn’t turn out that way.”
Although Downs did not share specific reasons for his transfer, it is evident that Saban’s retirement significantly influenced his decision.
Now at Ohio State, Downs has become a vital part of the Buckeyes’ defense, contributing 77 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions in his debut season. As Ohio State prepares to play for a title, Downs has solidified his place as a key player in their championship pursuit.