Alabama’s Loss, Georgia’s Gain: Caleb Downs Enters Transfer Portal, Bulldogs Emerge as Frontrunners

In a seismic shift that rocked the college football landscape, Alabama safety Caleb Downs, the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, has entered the transfer portal, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster move to Georgia, his home state school.

Downs’ Stellar Freshman Season

Downs, a five-star recruit and the top safety in the Class of 2023, lived up to the lofty expectations that accompanied his arrival in Tuscaloosa. Thrust into the starting lineup from the season opener, Downs quickly established himself as one of the SEC’s top defensive backs, finishing the season with 107 tackles, two interceptions, and a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 88.9, the best among safeties in the conference.

Downs’ versatility and playmaking ability were evident throughout the season. He showcased his ball-hawking skills with two interceptions, including a pick-six against Mississippi State. His sure tackling and ability to read the quarterback’s intentions made him a force in the Alabama secondary. Additionally, Downs flashed his potential as a game-changer on special teams, returning a punt 85 yards for a touchdown against Chattanooga.

Georgia: A Natural Landing Spot

Georgia’s emergence as the frontrunner for Downs’ services is hardly surprising. The Bulldogs just hired Travaris Robinson, Alabama’s former cornerbacks coach, as their co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Robinson’s relationship with Downs, who played for Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia, less than an hour’s drive from Athens, is a major factor in Georgia’s pursuit.

Furthermore, Georgia has a need at safety following Javon Bullard’s departure to the NFL Draft. Downs would fill that void seamlessly, bringing his exceptional coverage skills, tackling prowess, and playmaking ability to the Bulldogs’ defense.

Other Potential Landing Spots

While Georgia is considered the favorite to land Downs, there would be no shortage of suitors for his services should things not materialize. As one of the top safeties in college football with two seasons of eligibility remaining before the NFL Draft, Downs is an attractive target for any program looking to bolster its secondary.

According to 247Sports, Ohio State is a potential destination to keep an eye on for Downs. The Buckeyes have a strong tradition of producing elite defensive backs, and Downs would fit perfectly into their scheme. Additionally, Downs’ familiarity with Ohio State’s coaching staff, including secondary coach Tim Walton, could be a factor in his decision.

Impact on Alabama’s Secondary

Downs’ departure is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Alabama’s secondary. Five-star cornerback Dezz Ricks announced his transfer to Texas A&M, while fellow corners Trey Amos and Antonio Kite have also entered the portal. These losses leave Alabama’s 2024 secondary in flux, and new coach Kalen DeBoer faces the daunting task of rebuilding the unit.

DeBoer is reportedly hiring South Alabama coach Kane Wommack to be Alabama’s defensive coordinator and Buffalo coach Maurice Linguist to join the defensive staff, likely in a role working with the secondary. Wommack and Linguist are both respected coaches with experience at the Power Five level, but neither has a pre-existing relationship with the current Crimson Tide players, which could present a challenge in terms of building rapport and establishing a cohesive unit.

Conclusion

Caleb Downs’ decision to enter the transfer portal has sent shockwaves through the college football world. Georgia, with its strong relationship with Downs and the need at safety, is considered the frontrunner for his services. However, other programs, such as Ohio State, could emerge as contenders for the talented safety. Downs’ ultimate destination will have a significant impact on the landscape of college football, as he is one of the most sought-after defensive players in the transfer portal.