Caleb Downs

Caleb Downs (born December 10, 2004) is an American professional football safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Downs played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes. With Ohio State, he won the 2024 national championship and was the recipient of the 2025 Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award. Downs was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. He is the son of former football player Gary Downs and younger brother of wide receiver Josh Downs.

Early life Downs was born on December 10, 2004. He attended Mill Creek High School in his home town of Hoschton, Georgia, where he was a standout Football, Basketball and Baseball athlete. Downs was named the All-American Bowl Player of the Year as a senior. He was ranked as one of the top players in the 2023 college football recruiting class and considered the nation's No. 1 safety prospect. He was ranked No. 9 nationally by Rivals.com, No. 11 by ESPN and No. 8 by 247Sports. Downs was named the 2023 USA Today Defensive Football Player of the Year.

College career

Downs committed to Alabama on July 27, 2022. He chose Alabama over Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State. In his debut, he led the team in tackles with eight. At the conclusion of his freshman season Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year. Following the retirement of Nick Saban, he transferred to Ohio State. In Ohio State's 38–15 win over No. 5 Indiana, Downs returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown. At the conclusion of the 2024 season Downs was named a unanimous All-American. On January 7, 2026, he declared for the 2026 NFL draft.

Off the field, Downs has been noted as one of the most prominent athletes in the "Name, Image, and Likeness" (NIL) era. He has secured several major endorsement deals, including a partnership with activewear brand Rhoback and an exclusive deal with trading card company Panini America.

Professional career

Downs was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round, with the 11th overall pick, of the 2026 NFL draft. On May 1, 2026, he signed a four-year, $28.9 million contract with the Cowboys that included a $17.5 million signing bonus.

Career statistics College

Legend Bold Career High

Year Team GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles Cmb Solo Ast TFL Sck Int Yds Avg TD PD FF FR TD 2023 Alabama 14 107 70 37 3.5 0.0 2 11 5.5 0 4 1 1 0 2024 Ohio State 16 82 49 33 7.5 0.5 2 7 3.5 0 6 0 0 0 2025 Ohio State 14 68 45 23 5.0 1.0 2 0 0.0 0 2 2 0 0 Career 44 257 164 93 16.0 1.5 6 18 3.0 0 12 3 1 0

Personal life Downs' father, Gary, played college football for NC State and for seven years in the National Football League as a running back. Gary is now a representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and coaches. His uncle, Dré Bly, played for the North Carolina Tar Heels and also played 11 years in the National Football League (NFL). Caleb's brother Josh also played with the Tar Heels, and is currently a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.