Matt Patricia is the Ohio State Buckeyes new defensive coordinator, and he could shake things up for Caleb Downs. The Ohio State Buckeyes might be changing up the position of the best defensive player in college football.

Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs is fresh off a stellar season in 2024, helping the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff national championship title in his first season with the program. Downs transferred to Columbus following his freshman season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has played in both of college football’s premier conferences. He gives the Big Ten an edge for one reason.

Ohio State has been using safety Caleb Downs as a nickelback early in its preseason practices. The movement has allowed the Buckeyes to provide more reps for others at the free and strong safeties. “Caleb’s such a versatile player that you can move him into different spots to give those other guys a chance to get on the field,