The domino effect of Nick Saban retiring as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide continues as star safety Caleb Downs becomes the 25th Crimson Tide player to enter the transfer portal.
Five Landing Spots for Caleb Downs
Downs finished his true freshman season with 107 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one punt return for a touchdown. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC selection.
MORE: Caleb Downs Hits the Transfer Portal
This opens the door for every school in the country to go after one of the best young defensive backs in the country. There will be high potential for Downs to not only earn a starting spot right away but also big NIL potential.
Georgia Bulldogs
It was Downs and the Alabama defense that prevented Georgia from making the College Football Playoffs after the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship. Georgia finished with a 13-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory but were left wanting more.
The Bulldogs were one of the finalists to land Downs when he was in high school before he picked Alabama. Georgia coach Kirby Smart is a defensive-minded coach and with Downs being from Georgia, it makes sense for Downs to play with the Bulldogs.
Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks defense allowed just 17 points per game, ranking 11th in the country. Oregon finished 23rd in total defense a season ago, allowing just 320.3 yards per game. Their defense was strong against the run, allowing less than 100 yards per game after finishing 12-2 last year.
Downs considered Oregon before picking Alabama out of high school. The Ducks already landed one safety in Kansas State’s Kobe Savage so bringing in Downs only improves their defense as they face Big Ten opponents next year.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s defense was top three in the country in total defense (259.9) and points allowed per game (11). The Buckeyes were undefeated until their last game of the regular season against Michigan, as they would lose to the Wolverines and the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl.
Downs had Ohio State on the short list of schools he would attend before Alabama won out. Two safeties departed from the school, leaving room for Downs to join and take over as a starter in the secondary.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Fighting Irish could not live up to the expectations set at the beginning of the year as they went 10-3 on the season. Their defense was able to produce at a high level as they were a top-10 defense, allowing just 282.4 yards and 16.6 points per game.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Notre Dame was one of the last four schools on Downs’ wish list during his recruitment. The defense is already set up for success as the Fighting Irish work on replacing their quarterback. Downs can carry the load in the secondary and make big plays for the program.
Texas Longhorns
After years of disappointing results, the Texas Longhorns finally excelled in 2023, finishing with a 12-2 record and just missing out on the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Texas was top 25 in total defense and allowed 17.5 points per game.
Six defensive backs hit the transfer portal for the Longhorns, with Clemson transfer Andrew Mukuba set to join the team from the portal. Texas may be a long shot, but the Longhorns are in a position for success heading into the SEC, so Downs can play a massive role in their defense.
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