He’s A Special Talent Though”: Ohio State Buckeyes Safety Caleb Downs Projected To Be Top 10 Pick In 2026 NFL Draft

Once again, the Ohio State Buckeyes had a lot of talent drafted into the NFL in 2025. Expect a lot more Ohio State players be drafted into the NFL for the 2026 year.

The Buckeyes had a few players go in the first round including wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at number 19 overall, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at number 24 overall, and Josh Simmons, the offensive lineman was drafted number 32 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. One player who was not eligible for the draft this year was safety Caleb Downs. He will be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes Safety Caleb Downs Projected To Be Top 10 Pick In 2026 NFL Draft

The two best players who are returning to the Buckeyes next season will be safety Downs and also wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith will not be eligible for the 2026 draft, but Downs will be eligible. Ohio State is looking to go back-to-back with the talent they return to the team and with the talent they have incoming for head coach Ryan Day.

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports created a way too early mock draft for 2026 in the NFL and he has Downs going 10th overall to the New England Patriots. The Patriots may look better in 2025 under head coach Mike Vrabel, but New England will need another draft or two to get the talent they want on their roster to be contenders once again.

Edwards said of Downs being a Top 10 selection potentially in the 2026 NFL Draft,

“Downs is one of the best prospects eligible for next year’s draft. While safety is currently and likely will be a need for the Patriots next year, safety is not often valued at a level that justifies top-10 consideration. Downs is a special talent, though.”

Downs is 6’0″ and weighs 205 lbs. During the 2024 season with Ohio State, he recorded 81 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two interceptions, and six pass deflections. It will be interesting to see what numbers he will put up during the 2025 college football season with Ohio State. Downs will be one of the most talked about defensive players in the entire country in 2025 and it will be why he is a Top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.