As anticipation builds for the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 20, Ohio State Buckeyes standout safety Caleb Downs has secured a groundbreaking NIL partnership. A finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award, Downs’ impressive season continues to elevate his profile both on and off the field.
Caleb Downs Secures Historic NIL Deal Ahead of Championship Game
With a stellar performance in the semifinal against Texas—where he recorded five tackles and an interception—Downs is poised to leave his mark on college football history. In a landmark moment for the sport, Downs became the first defensive player to sign an exclusive NIL agreement with Panini America.
The deal ensures that Downs will feature prominently in Panini’s collegiate products, including its Instant Card platform, which highlights top performances throughout the college football season.
Reflecting on the milestone, Downs shared his excitement:
“I’m excited to join the Panini family through this exclusive partnership and look forward to sharing my journey through trading cards. As a kid, you always dream of getting your own card, and seeing the detail Panini puts into the collection makes this moment even more special.”
Downs’ NIL valuation has skyrocketed, now exceeding $2.3 million, placing him among the top 20 highest-paid college football players and ranking him 21st overall among all athletes, according to On3. This partnership with Panini further solidifies his position as a leading figure in the NIL space.
On the field, Downs has been instrumental in Ohio State’s dominant defense, which ranks first nationally in both points allowed (12.2) and yards allowed (251.5) per game. With 76 tackles and two interceptions this season, he has emerged as a pivotal leader for the Buckeyes, earning All-America honors and widespread acclaim.
Joining Panini’s roster of exclusive athletes, Downs is in the company of prominent names such as Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and future Buckeye Tavien St. Clair, a highly touted recruit. Panini’s athlete lineup also includes former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, ex-Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, and rising stars like Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola and Texas’ Arch Manning.
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Panini’s senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations, Jason Howarth, praised Downs’ impact both on and off the field:
“We’ve had a chance to get to know Caleb over the last few years and are excited to welcome him as the first exclusive defensive NIL player. Caleb is one of those special playmakers on the field, and more importantly, he’s an even greater guy off the field.”
Beyond Panini, Downs’ diverse NIL portfolio includes collaborations with major brands such as EA Sports, Beats by Dre, American Eagle Outfitters, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. His partnership with Beats was part of a broader initiative featuring 11 prominent football players, while his collaboration with American Eagle included fellow Buckeye Jeremiah Smith.
Let’s Give A Glimpse into Caleb Downs’ Team Dynamics
While Downs’ achievements reflect his rising stardom, Ohio State has faced some challenges. Just days before the national championship game, TikTok personality and two-star recruit Davis was dismissed from the team. Davis, who initially committed to Army in 2022 before walking on at Ohio State, never saw action on the field but gained attention for his social media presence.
Downs and the Buckeyes are now focused on their ultimate goal: securing a national championship against Notre Dame. The highly anticipated showdown kicks off Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
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