Caleb Downs is a finalist for another national defensive player of the year award.
Named last week as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Downs was named Monday as one of four finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors the defensive player that makes the best IMPACT – an acronym that stands for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.
Downs is joined as a finalist by Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
OUR 2025 FINALISTS
— Lott IMPACT Trophy (@TheLottTrophy) November 24, 2025
Congratulations to CJ Allen, @ruebenbainjr, @caleb_downs2 & @Jacob_R_10 for setting the standard all year long
Tune in Sunday, December 7th on @CBSSportsNet @ 4:00 PM PST to see who will be added to our historic 22-years of #TrueIMPACT pic.twitter.com/a5q6N9XEPb
Downs, who is also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award, is the leader of Ohio State’s defense, the best in the country in both points and yards allowed per game. He’s recorded 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and one pass breakup this season.
A team captain, Downs has also made an impact off the field by partnering with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to raise funds and fight food insecurity in central and eastern Ohio. Downs also co-founded the Trust Downs Foundation, which works to combat homelessness in Columbus, Atlanta and Indianapolis, alongside his older brother and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. Downs was also recently named one of Ohio State’s recipients of the Big Ten’s Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, which recognizes athletes throughout the conference who make an impact in their community.
Caleb Downs is a 2025-26 Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award Winner.
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) November 24, 2025
Today, the star safety helped hand out free turkeys and hams to families in need at the Mid-Ohio Food Collectives market pic.twitter.com/7mrYo9GG0X
