Caleb Downs gives Saban the nod on one question, then credits Ohio State for the culture

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is back in the spotlight for what he revealed about the two coaches who shaped his college path. In an appearance on the St. Brown podcast that aired June 2, Downs was pressed to choose between Nick Saban and Ryan Day. He declined a straightforward answer at first, then the question turned into something more personal: who he preferred to be around.

Downs’ response went to Saban immediately. When the hosts asked who was better to “hang out with,” Downs said, “I’ll say I’ve been to Coach Saban’s house for Thanksgiving,” adding, “So, I’ll give Coach Saban that nod.” It is a telling distinction for a player who has credited Ohio State with fitting his football identity just as much as he benefited from the coaching pedigree he left behind.

Downs’ college resume is built on both worlds. He joined Ohio State from the transfer portal in January 2024, arriving after playing his first college season at Alabama. Ohio State’s player bio describes Downs as a major contributor to the program’s 2024 national championship run, and notes his role as a defensive leader from the moment he arrived.

Still, the contrast in Downs’ comments is the point. In the same conversation, Downs said the football reason he stayed with Ohio State had less to do with his day-to-day relationship with Ryan Day and more to do with the program’s identity. Asked to choose between Alabama and Ohio State for “football culture,” Downs answered, “Football culture. I’ll go to Ohio State,” and pointed to the Buckeyes’ pedigree and winning tradition.

That framing matters because Saban and Day represent two different lenses for player development. Downs’ one-word “nod” to Saban came in the context of access and proximity, the kind of coaching relationship that shows up off the field. His Ohio State pick for culture reflects the broader institutional pressure and expectations that follow a program with an elite standard of preparation, execution, and recruiting reach.

The comments also land while Downs is transitioning to the NFL. reported that the Dallas Cowboys selected Downs with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In other words, the “who coached me best” debate is giving way to “what helped me become ready for pro football,” and his answer suggests he values both the craft (Saban’s development style) and the environment (Ohio State’s identity).