Downs finished the season with 60 tackles, two interceptions, one pass deflection, and one sack. What's the most impressive part of his season is that Downs didn't allow a single receiving touchdown on 336 coverage snaps.
He now becomes just the third-ever Ohio State defensive back to win the award - Antoine Winfield (1998), Malcolm Jenkins (2008).
Downs was originally a transfer out of Alabama, following a season in which he put up a career-high 107 tackles. 2
In his three years of college football (two with Ohio State), Downs has recorded at least 60 tackles and two interceptions in each of those three seasons.
However, Ohio State's top corner elected not to partake in the College Football Playoffs as he expected to prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. He's projected to be a top-five pick on some boards and a top-10 pick on most.
Ohio State holds the No. 2 seed in the CFP and will face the winner of (#10) Miami and (#7) Texas A&M.
