Cowboys Rookie Caleb Downs Earns Prestigious Honor

Caleb Downs is prepping for his first season with the Dallas Cowboys. He's taking the next step in his football career after stints with the Alabama Crimson Tide (2023) and Ohio State Buckeyes (2024 and 2025).

While he was productive with Alabama, he is most known for his two seasons with Ohio State. In 2025 alone, he racked up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.

The Hoschton, Georgia, native walked away with a handful of honors, including the Thorpe Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, and being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Despite his time with the Buckeyes being done, he continues to add noteworthy achievements.

On Monday, it was announced that Downs was named one of Ohio State's 2025-26 Athletes of the Year. He was the male honoree, alongside women's ice hockey forward Joy Dunne.

"Ohio State football All-American Caleb Downs and women's hockey gold medalist Joy Dunne are Ohio State's 2025-26 Athletes of the Year," the university wrote in an official announcement. "Both will now be placed on the ballots for Big Ten Athlete of the Year awards, with the winners to be announced by the conference in July."

While earning yet another honor for his contributions toward the Buckeyes, Downs is up for another achievement. The Buckeyes have not had a male Big Ten Athlete of the Year since defensive end Chase Young in 2020.

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He has the opportunity to be just the seventh male athlete at Ohio State to win it, joining Young, Kyle Snyder (2017 and 2018, wrestling), Logan Stieber (2015, wrestling), Evan Turner (2010, basketball), Blaine Wilson (1997, gymnastics) and Eddie George (1996, football).

With this announcement, though, Downs is focused on his rookie season with the Cowboys. After being selected with the No. 11 pick, he is expected to make an immediate impact for Dallas.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 11:52 AM.