Caleb Downs Named Semifinalist for Lott IMPACT Trophy

Ohio State star defensive back Caleb Downs was named as a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, along with eight other players, on Nov. 11. The standout DB has been making a huge difference for the No. 2 Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten Conference) in his first year with the team. Downs transferred into the program after his incredible freshman season at Alabama last year with the retirement of head coach Nick Saban. He has not missed a beat in his second season after joining the Buckeyes.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy

The trophy is awarded to the top defensive player in college football each season. The award also equally weighs a player's impact off the field. The IMPACT acronym stands for impact on and off the field, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity. Past winners include players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Luke Kuechly and JJ Watt amongst many other former college football stars. The last Ohio State player to win the award was linebacker James Laurinaitis, who now coaches that position group for the Buckeyes.

Freshman Season Accolades

Downs had an outstanding first year at Alabama as a true freshman in 2023. He won SEC Freshman of the Year and was also named to the All-SEC team for his stellar performance. Downs was the 2023 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year as well. The most impressive feat he accomplished was perhaps being named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press. Downs did not leave much on the table as a freshman, racking up accolades at every turn.

Caleb Downs' Play This Season

Downs has been an integral player for a defense that returned nine starters from last season. Defensive back Lathan Ransom and Downs make up what is perhaps the best safety tandem in the country. Downs has taken a small step back in production on the stat sheet this season, partly due to his role within the unit. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has used Downs seemingly as a safety net at times. He is often playing near the line of scrimmage and has been a stellar run stopper, making numerous tackles for a loss or small gain. He has made multiple tackles to prevent first downs or touchdowns this year in critical moments as well.

Downs is still tied for third in total tackles with 39 this year (24 solo). He additionally has 0.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Despite the stats seeming to be not as impressive as they were in his first year, anyone watching Ohio State will tell you that Downs stands out in a sea of future NFL defenders.

Off the Field

The award heavily takes a player's impact off the field and their overall character into consideration. By all accounts, Downs has done more than enough to meet that criteria. Coaches and teammates often speak highly of his work ethic, leadership and outside endeavors. Downs is a part of THE Foundation at Ohio State. The organization uses student-athletes to work and help raise awareness for communities in Columbus, Ohio. Multiple Ohio State football players are a part of the charity and Downs has been involved from nearly the moment he arrived on campus in January.

His work in the community, combined with his stellar on-field play and leadership, makes him a worthy candidate for such a prestigious award. He has easily been one of the nation's best defenders this year, leading the NCAA's No. 1 total defense at Ohio State. The Lott IMPACT Trophy will be awarded on Dec. 9 in Las Vegas, Nev.