Since a 30-day transfer portal window opened up last week for Alabama players following Nick Saban’s retirement, Ohio State fans have wondered whether one player in particular would opt to transfer: Safety Caleb Downs.
It may not be long before they get their answer. Per ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren, Caleb Downs hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll stay at Alabama or enter the transfer portal, but could decide Tuesday.
I was told that Alabama freshman Caleb Downs hasnt made a decision on his future yet, if hell stay or transfer.
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) January 15, 2024
Hed like to see whos added to the Bama defensive staff, but very likely could make a decision either way tomorrow. Travaris Robinson staying at Georgia factors in.
Per VanHaaren’s report, the departure of former Alabama defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson is a factor in the decision. Robinson left Alabama to be Georgia’s defensive coordinator last week. New Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer reportedly made an 11th-hour push on Sunday to keep Robinson on staff, but Robinson ultimately decided to stay at Georgia.
Downs was Ohio State’s top defensive recruiting target in the 2023 class and eventually picked the Crimson Tide over the Buckeyes.
He lived up to his five-star billing in his first season, earning All-American honors as a true freshman. Downs recorded 103 tackles (3.5 for loss) with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, two interceptions and three pass breakups in 2023.
Should Downs enter the portal, the Buckeyes would have significant interest in the All-American safety and could be among the top contenders to land him.
Dominic Kirks lands Ohio State offer after OV
While various 2025 prospects are expected to visit Columbus this weekend, Ohio State hosted its final remaining target in the 2024 class on an official visit Saturday.
Right before his official visit started, four-star in-state defensive end Dominic Kirks reopened his recruitment, decommitting from Washington after Kalen DeBoer departed the Huskies in favor of Alabama. The visit was still crucial for both parties, with Kirks needing to feel genuine interest from OSU after an on-and-off recruitment from his home state team and the Buckeyes weighing how well he would fit their roster before extending an offer.
Ultimately, the visit was a success, as Kirks left Columbus with an offer in hand from defensive line coach Larry Johnson.
After an amazing visit, I am extremely blessed to receive a Division 1 offer from The Ohio State University! Thanks to @R2X_Rushmen1 @CoachLCTrenches @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/tBraPgfQXg
— Dominic DK Kirks (@Domkirks) January 14, 2024
Momentum is now trending for Kirks to eventually become the Buckeyes’ 21st commit in the 2024 class, with the Painesville resident eligible to sign on Feb. 7. But OSU isn’t the only school pursuing the 6-foot-4, 255-pound prospect, as USC also has expressed interest in the Ohio product.
Kirks will decide within the next three weeks and will be a summer enrollee at whichever school he picks. As of this moment, it feels like that will be Ohio State.
Five-star 2025 WR Jaime Ffrench decommits from Alabama
One of Ohio State’s top wide receiver targets in the 2025 class is officially back on the market. Following the coaching change at Alabama, five-star Florida wide receiver Jaime Ffrench decommitted from the Crimson Tide on Sunday. Ffrench had been committed to Alabama since July.
— Jaime Ffrench Jr. (@jaimeffrenchjr) January 15, 2024
Despite his previous commitment to Alabama, Ffrench took a visit to Ohio State for the Penn State game in October. OSU offensive coordinator Brian Hartline had already been recruiting Ffrench heavily and will continue to do so now that he’s re-opened his recruitment.
“It was a great visit and experience,” Ffrench told Eleven Warriors of his trip in October. “It was 10/10 for sure. The Buckeyes still stand high in my recruitment.”
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Ffrench is considered the 11th-best prospect and the third-ranked wideout in the 2025 class. OSU’s only current wide receiver commitment in the cycle is four-star prospect Jayvan Boggs.
Corbyn Fordham earns an offer from OSU
Ohio State has offered its second tight end in the 2026 recruiting class. Florida prospect Corbyn Fordham picked up an offer from OSU tight ends coach Keenan Bailey on Friday, making him the only other tight end prospect besides Xavier Tiller to earn a Buckeyes offer in that cycle.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Fordham doesn’t hold a 247Sports composite ranking as of yet, but holds 13 Division I offers, including Georgia, Florida State, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, NC State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Fordham caught 37 passes for 324 yards with two receiving touchdowns last season for the Bolles School (Jacksonville, Florida).
Mark Zackery includes OSU in his top 10
An Ohio State cornerback target in the 2025 class has narrowed down his recruitment. Four-star Indiana prospect Mark Zackery released a top-10 on Monday that includes Ohio State, Tennessee, USC, Cincinnati, Georgia, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Purdue and Oregon.
Top ! Very grateful and blessed to be in the position I am in today and looking forward to finding the best place for me. #AGTG My recruitment is still open!!! pic.twitter.com/WO2F8TQuyy
— Mark MZ Zackery IV (@mzackery_) January 15, 2024
Zackery has visited OSU on numerous occasions in the past few months and has long been high on the Buckeyes.
“It felt great getting an offer just because as long as I can remember, I’ve liked Ohio State,” Zackery told Eleven Warriors after receiving his offer in June. “I’ve still got (an OSU) banner hanging up in my room. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Getting this weight off my shoulders and knowing I’ll keep putting the work in and getting an offer from the school I’ve loved for a long time feels pretty good.”
