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Ohio State's Caleb Downs Shines as Thorpe Award Semifinalist

10/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

Caleb Downs, a junior safety at Ohio State, has been named a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award for the second consecutive year.
He leads the nation's top-ranked defense with 34 total tackles, including 24 solo, two tackles for loss, and one interception.
Last season, Downs received the Big Ten's Woodson/Tatum Defensive Back of the Year title and was a unanimous first-team All-American.
Ohio State's defense ranks first in scoring defense, allowing only 5.9 points per game.
Finalists for the Thorpe Award will be announced on November 25, 2023.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1986, the Jim Thorpe Award honors the top defensive back in college football, reflecting the sport's growing emphasis on defensive skills. In 2022, players like Daxton Hill from Michigan, who recorded 69 tackles and 2 interceptions, exemplified this trend. The award highlights the competitive nature of college football, influencing recruitment and player development strategies.

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Story summary

Caleb Downs, a junior safety at Ohio State, has been named a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award for the second consecutive year.
He leads the nation's top-ranked defense with 34 total tackles, including 24 solo, two tackles for loss, and one interception.
Last season, Downs received the Big Ten's Woodson/Tatum Defensive Back of the Year title and was a unanimous first-team All-American.
Ohio State's defense ranks first in scoring defense, allowing only 5.9 points per game.
Finalists for the Thorpe Award will be announced on November 25, 2023.

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