COLUMBUS, Ohio — Oho State safety Caleb Downs was named a finalist for the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award.
The Thorpe Award is presented to the nation’s best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented to the defensive player of the year in college football.
Downs ranks third on the Buckeyes with 51 tackles and second with 30 stops. The sophomore’s 6.5 tackles-for-loss lead all Big Ten Conference defensive backs and tied for fourth nationally among defensive backs. He also has three pass break-ups and a quarterback hurry.
Downs electrified the crowd during the Buckeyes’ match against Indiana last Saturday with the first Ohio State punt return for a touchdown in 10 years. He took the punt 79 yards for the momentum-generating score and a 21-7 lead.
The Buckeyes went on to win their second game against a Top 5 opponent this season, 38-15.
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Michigan Wolverines in the 120th edition of "The Game" on Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon.