Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and his brother, Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, kicked off this week’s Downs 2 Business by talking about Ohio State’s defense, a stingy unit that's given up just 41 points through seven games [02:22].
“Man, keep preparing,” Caleb said. “If we keep doing what we’re doing, keep the intensity level high and don’t underestimate anybody, there shouldn’t really be anything that can stop us.”
Josh compared the 2025 Buckeye defense to Georgia’s 2021 national championship squad, which sent 14 players to the NFL. Caleb didn’t bite on the comparison.
“For us, it’s just go out every game and compete at the highest level,” he said. “If everyone dominates the guy in front of him, there’s really nothing else to say.”
“He’s Throwing People”
Caleb also gave a big shoutout to linebacker Arvell Reese, who’s turned heads since Week 1 [03:50].
“He’s got a lot of unbridled strength,” Caleb said. “You watch the film and you’re like, ‘why is he throwing people in the middle of the game?’ That’s just how he plays. With relentless effort and intensity.”
The Calm at Quarterback
When Josh asked about Ohio State’s confidence in quarterback Julian Sayin, Caleb was quick to praise the freshman’s poise [05:30].
“He’s always been calm, cool, and collected,” Caleb said. “It doesn’t matter the situation. He’s going to be himself. That’s a form of leadership in itself. That’s our quarterback.”
Josh agreed, saying Sayin “isn’t getting enough props,” then turned the spotlight on receiver Carnell Tate, who hauled in a highlight grab last weekend.
“One of the top catches you’ve seen in a minute,” Caleb said. “He’s so smooth you can’t tell how fast he’s running, and that makes him tough to cover.”
QB1 Joins the Show
Later in the episode, Sayin joined the Downs brothers to talk football, leadership, and life in Columbus [21:16].
The San Diego native said he models his game after Joe Burrow, calling him “a point guard” who distributes the ball and leads with composure. Sayin described his own style as similar. Not loud, but confident and efficient.
He credited Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler for sharpening his processing speed and accuracy, which he says are his biggest strengths:
“I take pride in being able to go from seeing if it's not there and working through my reads and getting backside quickly and getting to where I need to get the ball out quickly/”
Sayin discussed choosing between LSU and Texas before committing to Alabama, and ultimately transferring to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s retirement, which he said was announced in his first team meeting.
“I really liked what Coach Day was doing.”– Julian Sayin on his decision to transfer to Ohio State
He picked OSU for its quarterback development and elite receiver room, joking that the biggest adjustments to Midwestern life have been the cold and the lack of good Mexican food.
"I mean I don't eat any Mexican food when I'm here just because it's tough to compare."
Pregame routine? “Morgan Wallen on the way to the stadium.” Sayin also confessed to not watching Dragon Ball Z, the show that some fans have pulled the "Super Sayin" nickname for him.
When it comes to The Game, Sayin said the Buckeyes’ mindset is businesslike: "We know how much it means to this state and how important the rivalry is, but you have to go out and just focus on doing your job."
Eleven Warriors Fan Question of the Week
This week’s question from TheDizzle: What’s your plan if a zombie apocalypse breaks out [09:22]?
Caleb went full survivalist. “Find water, find weapons, and find somewhere safe.” Josh opted for a boat, reasoning, “zombies can’t swim.” The conversation eventually devolved into debates about fast versus slow zombies and grocery store strategy.
You can watch the full episode above.
