Caleb Downs’ decision to leave Alabama became one of the biggest stories of the 2024 college football offseason. The highly regarded safety had arrived in Tuscaloosa as one of the nation’s best recruits and immediately lived up to the hype. However, after only one season with the Crimson Tide, Downs entered the transfer portal and eventually chose Ohio State.
The key factor behind his decision was the retirement of legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. Downs had originally committed to Alabama in large part because he wanted to play for Saban and learn from one of the greatest coaches in college football history. When Saban unexpectedly retired after the 2023 season, Downs suddenly had to reconsider his future. Downs later described the news as a “gut punch,” explaining that he had not expected the coaching change.
After Saban’s retirement, Alabama hired Kalen DeBoer. Rather than remain in Tuscaloosa and begin a new chapter with a coaching staff he did not know well, Downs decided to enter the transfer portal. He reportedly wanted familiarity, and Ohio State offered exactly that. The Buckeyes had recruited Downs heavily when he was coming out of high school, meaning he already knew the program and several of its coaches.
Ohio State eventually won the battle for Downs despite strong interest from Georgia. Downs had also seriously considered Georgia during his original recruitment, so the Bulldogs were viewed as a major contender once he entered the portal. However, his familiarity with Ohio State and its coaching staff helped the Buckeyes secure his commitment.
The move proved extremely successful. At Ohio State, Downs developed into one of the nation’s premier defensive players. His versatility, instincts and ability to make plays around the field made him a centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ defense. He eventually helped Ohio State win the national championship and established himself as an elite NFL prospect.
Downs then made another major decision in 2026. He declared for the NFL Draft rather than return for another college season. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to select him with the No. 11 overall pick, making him one of the first players chosen in the draft.
His journey is therefore a remarkable one: Alabama recruited Downs as a five-star talent, he became an immediate star under Saban, Saban retired, Downs transferred to Ohio State, won a national championship and ultimately became a first-round NFL selection.
For Alabama fans, his departure was certainly disappointing, but Downs’ explanation has consistently centered on the coaching change and his desire for familiarity rather than simply leaving the program. His decision ultimately shaped one of the most successful transfer stories in recent college football history.
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