Ryan Day Reflects on Caleb Downs’ Recruitment Following Nick Saban’s Retirement
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has earned a reputation as one of the most effective recruiters in college football, capable of bringing elite talent to Columbus to bolster the Buckeyes’ championship aspirations. However, not every recruiting battle ends in a victory, and few cases exemplify this better than Caleb Downs, the highly sought-after safety who chose Alabama over Ohio State during his recruitment.
In a recent interview, Day looked back on the recruitment of Downs, providing insight into one of the most pivotal recruiting stories in recent memory. Day candidly discussed how Nick Saban’s sudden retirement at Alabama influenced the recruiting landscape and how Ohio State remained in the race for Downs until the very end.
Caleb Downs, a five-star recruit from Mill Creek High School in Georgia, was widely regarded as the top safety in his class. Known for his exceptional instincts, versatility, and leadership on the field, Downs was a priority target for every major program, including Ohio State and Alabama.
From the beginning, Downs’ recruitment was highly competitive. While many expected Alabama to emerge as the favorite due to their history of producing NFL-ready defensive backs under Saban, Ohio State, under Day, made a strong push. Day and his staff pitched Downs on the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme, player development, and the opportunity to contribute to a championship-caliber program.
“Caleb was someone we identified early as a player who could make an immediate impact for us,” Day said. “His football IQ, athleticism, and work ethic stood out, and we knew he was special
The recruiting race for Downs took an unexpected turn when Nick Saban announced his retirement from coaching. Saban, who had been instrumental in Alabama’s dominance over the last two decades, left behind a legacy of success that was unmatched in college football. His departure created uncertainty within the Alabama program, leading many to speculate that Downs might reconsider his commitment.
“When Coach Saban retired, it definitely changed the dynamic,” Day admitted. “There was a lot of speculation about what that meant for Alabama’s program and for recruits like Caleb. We knew it could open a door for us to make another strong push.”
With Alabama facing questions about its future, Day and the Ohio State staff intensified their efforts to secure Downs. They emphasized the stability of the Buckeyes’ program, the track record of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and the opportunity to play alongside other elite recruits in a defense that consistently ranks among the nation’s best.
“We wanted Caleb to know that Ohio State was a place where he could thrive both on and off the field,” Day said. “We talked about the culture we’ve built here, the relationships we’ve developed, and the opportunities he would have to grow as a player and a person.”
Despite Ohio State’s best efforts, Downs ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to Alabama, citing his deep connection to the program and his belief in its ability to remain a powerhouse even without Saban at the helm.
Looking back, Day spoke with admiration for Downs and his decision-making process. “Caleb handled his recruitment with a lot of maturity,” Day said. “He took the time to evaluate everything and made a decision that he felt was best for him and his family. I have a lot of respect for that.”
While missing out on Downs was undoubtedly a disappointment for Ohio State, Day emphasized the importance of learning from every recruiting experience. “You’re not going to win every battle,” he said. “But you learn something from each one. It’s about building relationships, being honest with players, and continuing to focus on what makes our program special.”
As Caleb Downs begins his college career at Alabama, there’s no doubt he will be a player to watch in the coming years. For Ohio State, the focus remains on developing the talent already on the roster and continuing to attract elite recruits who share the Buckeyes’ vision.
Day expressed confidence in Ohio State’s ability to compete at the highest level, regardless of individual recruiting outcomes. “We’re always going to target the best players in the country, and we’re always going to believe in the strength of our program,” he said. “Losing out on a player like Caleb is tough, but it doesn’t change our commitment to excellence.”
The recruitment of Caleb Downs will go down as one of the most notable stories in recent college football history, particularly in the context of Nick Saban’s retirement. For Ryan Day and Ohio State, it was a reminder of the competitive nature of recruiting and the importance of persistence, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
As the Buckeyes continue their pursuit of national championships, stories like Downs’ recruitment serve as a testament to the challenges and rewards of building a powerhouse program. While Downs may not be wearing scarlet and gray, his recruitment exemplifies the level of talent Ohio State consistently targets—and the relentless effort Day and his staff put into securing the best for their team.