Caleb Downs, Former Alabama Safety, Transfers to Ohio State After Nick Saban Retires

Former Alabama safety Caleb Downs is transferring to Ohio State, per ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Downs led Alabama in tackles this season with 70 solo tackles and 107 total tackles. He also pulled in a pair of interceptions this year. Along with his defensive duties, Downs served as the Crimson Tide's punt returner late this season.

Downs' departure marks another addition to a mass exodus of transfers leaving Alabama following Nick Saban's retirement. As of Friday, 10 players have transferred from Alabama with five of the players being defensive backs and safeties.

Along with a number of players transferring, Alabama is also beginning to see decommitments from players in the 2024 and 2025 classes. The Tide lost 5-star wide receiver commit Ryan Williams just days after Saban's announcement. Alabama has also seen six decommitments from the Class of 2025 following Saban's retirement.

Now, the Tide and new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who Alabama hired last week, will look to avoid a major drop off amid all the losses. DeBoer has big shoes to fill and high expectations to meet as Alabama's head coach, and the transfers and decomittments don't help.

For Ohio State, the Buckeyes are searching for improvement with the help of their new safety in Downs. Ohio State is coming off another outstanding season, but it fell short in its rivalry matchup with Michigan, leaving the Buckeyes shy of reaching the College Football Playoff. Ohio State lost its bowl game to Missouri to finish the year 11-2.

With Downs joining the defense and a handful of other talents coming in, Ohio State will be looking to top the Wolverines and get back into the CFP next season.