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Ohio State star Caleb Downs is one of the cover athletes of NCAA Football 26, calling it a “joyful … More moment.” (Photo by Todd Kirkland\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Getty Images<\/p>\n
Caleb Downs may be the best defensive back in football, but he knows he still has room to grow.<\/p>\n
The reigning Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year is coming off of a sensational season in his first year with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 20-year-old won the national championship while leading the nation\u2019s best defensive unit while being named a unanimous All-American selection.<\/p>\n
Downs is already certainly accomplished, but he\u2019s looking to improve in key areas \u2013 such as his tackling \u2013 as he enters potentially his last season in Columbus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always a good thing to try to improve on things, especially at your position,\u201d says Downs in a one-on-one interview. \u201cWe have to cover a lot at safety, and in my main opportunities, I want to do well in those and excel at that. I want to tackle a little bit more efficient, just to hone in on that and hone in on the skill of tackling. Because some people, they may overlook it at some point. Those two and then just playing in the deep part of the field.\u201d<\/p>\n
All eyes will be on Downs as he enters his junior season, which is nothing new for the Georgia native. Downs was one of the top high school recruits in the class of 2023, regarded as the top safety prospects and one of the top 10 prospects in his class.<\/p>\n
To top it all off, Downs comes from a football family, with his father Gary Downs having played several years as a running back in the NFL. His brother, Josh Downs, is currently a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts and his uncle, Dre Bly, was a top cornerback in the NFL during his 11-year playing career, winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams.<\/p>\n
The Buckeyes didn\u2019t have a perfect season last year, losing against Oregon and Michigan \u2013 in a major upset \u2013 during the regular season. However, they won when it mattered most, smoking the Oregon Ducks in the rematch during the playoffs. They also defeated Texas and Notre Dame to eventually win the national championship.<\/p>\n
The Buckeyes will face off against the Texas Longhorns in the season opener in a rematch of that College Football Playoff game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel very good, very confident in our team and our ability to play ball,\u201d says Downs. \u201cI believe we’ve a young team and everything like that, but we’re still the type of athleticism and talent that is needed to play at the highest level so very confident in who we have and what we’re going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Downs outlines the biggest thing that he learned last season during their run to the national championship was \u201cleadership.\u201d He also outlines being on \u201cthe same page\u201d as a key trait for the Buckeyes to repeat as national champions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe importance of leadership, the importance of having people that can get everybody on the same page and get a singular focus to allow yourself to have the best chance to win,\u201d says Downs.<\/p>\n
Caleb Downs On The Deluxe Cover Of NCAA Football 26<\/p>\n
While Downs is busy preparing to win another national championship, he\u2019ll occupy some of his time by playing NCAA Football 26.<\/p>\n
The newest version of EA Sports\u2019 college football game is now available and Downs is on the cover of the deluxe edition of the game. He singles out playing 1-on-1 against fellow friends and teammates as his favorite game mode.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to play one-on-one with people, so I can\u2019t say a certain game mode,\u201d says Downs when asked what his favorite game mode is. \u201cI don’t talk a lot of trash.\u201d<\/p>\n
The All-American safety mentions NCAA Football 11 as his favorite game cover of the series, which featured Florida Gators star Tim Tebow. Tebow graces the cover again 15 years later on the deluxe edition alongside Downs.<\/p>\n
Downs calls being on the cover a \u201cjoyful moment\u201d where he joins his teammate, Jeremiah Smith, as cover athletes. Smith and Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams are the main cover athletes of the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a joyful moment,\u201d says Downs. \u201cWhen I heard the news and everything like that, it was an honor. Just to think in the future, whenever I have kids or anything, that\u2019s just something that I can always tell my son, your dad was on a cover of a video game. Which is a pretty interesting thing to tell somebody.\u201d<\/p>\n
NCAA Football 26 Comes Up Big In Follow-Up Effort To Last Year\u2019s Game<\/p>\n