Days after making Forbes 30 Under 30, OSU megastar Caleb Downs drops phrases of knowledge on embracing drive to prevail

On Thursday, Caleb Downs was once known within the 30 Under 30 Local Columbus Class of 2025. The Ohio State protection excelled in his first 12 months with the Buckeyes, serving to them win the nationwide championship. In doing so, he was once known as a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.

A couple of days later, on Saturday, Downs sat down with Forbes editor Steven Bertoni at a distinct press match unveiling the listing. Downs spoke about how his mentality for embracing drive is helping him prevail.

“I think the expectation of just success is such a weight on people’s shoulders and the expectation of people that are watching you,” Downs stated. “At the end of the day, you can’t care if you fail. You have to be willing to fail if you’re going to succeed.”

“So, if you’re going to try to do anything and if anybody’s going to be watching you do it, that’s pressure. And you have to be willing to say, hey, if I fail, I don’t really care what you think. I’m gonna do it and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and that’s going to give me the best chance to win.”

Caleb Downs transferred to Ohio State prior to closing season after his freshman 12 months with the Alabama Crimson Tide. In his first 12 months with the Buckeyes, Dwons registered 81 overall tackles, together with 48 solo efforts, six passes defended, 0.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Caleb Downs is a contender to be the primary select within the 2026 NFL draft

If Caleb Downs have been eligible to go into the 2025 NFL draft, he most likely would were a most sensible select. However, since NFL regulations dictate that gamers wish to be 3 years got rid of from highschool to claim for the draft, Downs has to go back to university for every other season.

Heading into his draft 12 months, Downs is seen as a contender to be the primary select within the 2026 NFL draft. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s the No. 1-ranked participant coming into the 12 months.

However, simply because Downs is seen as the most productive prospect via some media shops does now not imply he would be the first select. NFL groups selecting on the most sensible of the draft ceaselessly make a selection quarterbacks on account of the significance of the placement. Notably, QB Cam Ward was once decided on first this 12 months in spite of many analysts viewing two-way megastar Travis Hunter as essentially the most proficient participant.