Ohio State football fans troll Georgia after Caleb Downs decision

Caleb Downs’ decision to join the Ohio State football program over Georgia spurred a bit of laughter on social media.

Alabama safety Caleb Downs makes surprising commitment

On Friday, one of the biggest college football stars to hit the transfer portal, former Alabama safety Caleb Downs, made the bombshell decision to commit to the Ohio State football program, spurning Georgia in the process. This is a devastating development for the Georgia football program, as they had already made a few moves to try and convince Downs to choose to play for the Bulldogs, but instead, the 22-year old safety is now a Buckeye.

Downs was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal in the wake of his decision to leave Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement. For Ohio State football to secure his services is nothing short of a coup, and now, Buckeyes fans are engaging in a bit of banter on social media with Georgia after winning the Downs sweepstakes.

“BOOOOOOOOOM! Ohio State has landed superstar Alabama safety transfer Caleb Downs! The Buckeyes just snagged a prized prospect away from Georgia and added the best secondary player in the country,” @tSilverBulletin, a news service for Ohio State, wrote on Twitter (X).

“Caleb Downs has committed to…Ohio State! The No. 1 player in the transfer portal goes with the Buckeyes over Georgia. Jim Knowles’ defense has a ton coming back in 2024 and adds a freshman superstar,” Max Olson of The Athletic wrote.

“Landing Caleb Downs only makes me feel better about saying Ohio State not Georgia are the preseason favorites,” Greg Smith of Rivals.com wrote.

Alabama Freshman All-American Safety Caleb Downs Reportedly Transferring To Ohio State - Buckeye Huddle

Just to further compound matters for Georgia, many think that they hired defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson from Alabama with the hopes of luring Caleb Downs to join them from the transfer portal. Downs’ decision to join Ohio State, however, further twists the knife in what is a rather unfortunate development for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.

“Alabama payed Travaris Robinson $800,000 last season. Georgia paid him 1.3 million to lure in Caleb Downs. Caleb Downs chose Ohio State 🤣🤣🤣. Roll Tide Roll 🐘🐘🐘,” @RagsandFitness pointed out. Added @toptierCFB, “Georgia hired T-Rob just for Caleb Downs to commit to Ohio State. Laugh my f**king ass off. (LMAO)”

Games are won on the field, not on paper. But after the Buckeyes’ major addition of Caleb Downs, Georgia can’t be looked at as anything but the losers of this deal.

REACTION: Caleb Downs Commits to Ohio State, What it Means for Georgia

Ohio State football beats Georgia in Caleb Downs recruitment | Yardbarker

Georgia has been highly active in the transfer portal this season as they have landed some big-time names on both sides of the football, but the biggest name of them all just announced his commitment to the Bulldogs. Former Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs has officially announced his transfer to Ohio State, so what does it mean for Georgia? For starters, Georgia’s safety room took some hits this offseason as Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith both announced they are headed off to the NFL. However, Georgia is still in a good spot roster wise. They return Malaki Starks, a two-year starter and what many presume to be a potential first-round NFL draft pick in the future. They also still have names like David Daniel-Sisavanh, JaCorey Thomas, Dan Jackson and recently picked up former Alabama safety Jake Pope out of the portal. The Bulldogs also picked up another big time name in the 2024 recruiting class at safety as five-star KJ Bolden flipped to Georgia on early national signing day.

Downs would have certainly upgraded Georgia’s roster had he chosen the Bulldogs and bought more time for other players to develop before they were tabbed as starters, but Downs’ decision does not leave the Bulldogs stranded. Georgia was going to have a new face in the starting lineup at safety in 2024 regardless of whether Downs committed to them or not. Downs would have been the favorite to land the starting gig but that question will now be answered in the form of someone who was already on Georgia’s roster. As a true freshman for the Crimson Tide, Downs racked up 107 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He was also awarded the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award and received All-American recognition by multiple outlets.