Ohio State Star Safety Caleb Downs Believes Buckeyes Secondary Is Poised for Breakout Season With Two Teammates Ready to Shine
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 football season, one of the most intriguing storylines revolves around their defensive secondary—a unit that, after years of inconsistency, now looks primed to become one of the strongest in college football. Much of that optimism stems from star safety Caleb Downs, who not only brings elite talent to the Buckeye defense but also sees something special brewing among his teammates. In particular, Downs believes that two fellow Ohio State safeties are on the verge of taking a significant leap this season, potentially transforming the backend of the Buckeye defense into a true game-changing force.
Caleb Downs arrived at Ohio State in 2024 as one of the most high-profile transfer additions in the country. After a standout freshman season at Alabama, where he showcased his athleticism, football IQ, and tackling prowess, Downs shocked the college football world by entering the transfer portal and committing to the Buckeyes. His decision was a massive win for Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who needed an anchor for a defense that had struggled in key moments over recent seasons.
Now entering his second year in Columbus, Downs has not only cemented himself as a team leader but has also emerged as one of the most respected voices in the locker room. When Downs speaks, teammates and coaches listen. And according to him, two Ohio State safeties—Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain—are ready to elevate their games in ways that could change the complexion of the defense in 2025.
Malik Hartford, a sophomore out of West Chester, Ohio, saw flashes of playing time as a true freshman and showed promise with his range and physicality. At 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, Hartford has the size and athleticism that coaches covet in modern safeties. However, in his first year, he was still adjusting to the speed of the college game, often rotating in sparingly and learning behind veterans. But this offseason, he’s taken a noticeable step forward. Coaches have praised his work ethic, mental sharpness, and physical development, and now it appears he’s set to take on a much larger role alongside Downs.
According to Downs, what separates Hartford isn’t just his raw talent—it’s his hunger to improve.
“Malik is one of those guys who stays in the film room longer than anybody,” Downs said after a spring practice. “He’s not satisfied just being part of the rotation. He wants to be great, and you can see it in the way he prepares, the way he communicates, and the way he plays fast and confident now.”
Hartford’s emergence could give Ohio State one of the most athletic and versatile safety duos in the country. With Downs acting as a hybrid safety capable of playing deep coverage, in the box, or even matching up against tight ends, having Hartford as a complementary force could allow Knowles to get even more creative with his defensive looks. It also adds needed depth and reliability to a position group that has at times been a liability in recent seasons.
The second name Downs highlighted is freshman Jaylen McClain, a New Jersey native who arrived on campus as part of the 2025 recruiting class. Though just a first-year player, McClain has already turned heads with his instincts and maturity. While it’s uncommon for freshmen to receive major praise this early, Downs sees something different in McClain—and he’s not the only one.
“Jaylen plays like he’s been here for three years,” Downs said. “He understands leverage, spacing, route concepts—all the stuff most guys don’t pick up until later. He’s physical, smart, and not afraid of the moment. I really think he’s going to surprise a lot of people this year.”
McClain was a highly touted four-star recruit coming out of high school, known for his sideline-to-sideline range and aggressive tackling. But it’s been his mental approach that has earned early trust from the coaching staff. Throughout spring ball and into summer workouts, McClain has reportedly been running with the second-team defense, and some believe he could push for serious snaps as the season progresses.
Having a trio of Downs, Hartford, and McClain gives Ohio State a rare combination of experience, youth, and upside in the safety room. It also allows the Buckeyes to rotate and keep players fresh, which will be especially important as they navigate a grueling Big Ten schedule that includes matchups with Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan.
The secondary’s growth couldn’t come at a better time. Over the past few seasons, Ohio State’s pass defense has been a rollercoaster. In 2022 and 2023, breakdowns in the secondary cost the Buckeyes dearly in critical moments—most notably in losses to Michigan and Georgia. While the 2024 season showed signs of improvement, there were still lapses in coverage and tackling that kept the defense from being elite. With Downs now settled in and Hartford and McClain emerging, the Buckeyes finally have the personnel to play the aggressive, high-level defense that Jim Knowles envisions.
This shift in defensive identity also aligns with the program’s broader ambitions. With the College Football Playoff expanding and the Big Ten becoming even more competitive, having an elite defense is no longer optional—it’s essential. Programs like Georgia and Michigan have proven that championship runs are built on defensive excellence. If Ohio State wants to reclaim its spot among the sport’s elite and end its playoff drought, the secondary will need to be a strength, not a liability.
Downs, for his part, seems energized by the opportunity to lead this transformation. Despite being just a sophomore, he carries himself like a veteran and has taken younger players under his wing. His work in the film room, weight room, and on the practice field sets the tone for the entire defense. And his belief in Hartford and McClain isn’t just lip service—it’s rooted in what he sees every day in practice.
“Those guys are locked in,” Downs said. “They ask the right questions, they care about doing things the right way, and they want to win. That’s what you want next to you when you’re trying to win championships.”
While preseason optimism is nothing new in Columbus, the specific praise coming from someone like Downs adds credibility. He’s played in big games, practiced against elite talent, and seen what it takes to compete at the highest level. If he believes these safeties are ready to break out, it’s a sign that the Buckeyes’ secondary might finally be turning the corner.
The 2025 season won’t be easy. With a schedule filled with playoff contenders and high-powered offenses, Ohio State will be tested early and often. But if Hartford continues his rise and McClain delivers on his potential, the Buckeyes may not just survive those tests—they might dominate them.
For now, though, it’s about building. Every practice rep, every film session, and every offseason lift is a step toward a season where the Buckeyes don’t just hope for elite safety play—they expect it. And with Caleb Downs leading the way, and two future stars by his side, Ohio State may be closer than ever to achieving just that.
