With the retirement of iconic head coach Nick Saban, the process to officially register Alabama safety Caleb Downs in the NCAA Transfer Portal has been made. After leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship and a position in the College Football Playoff, Downs had an outstanding true freshman season, with a team-high 107 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Tabs for 247Sports Downs as the portal’s highest-ranked player. Although he will be able to enroll for three years at the next university of his choosing, it is likely that he will graduate after two years rather than being selected as one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Caleb didn’t make this decision lightly,” according to Gary Downs, the father of the young man. He also went to a team meeting that Karen DeBoer, the new head coach, led. “There are so many factors.”
Sadly, a few of the reasons he travelled to Alabama are no longer relevant. The coaching staff as a whole has left. Nick Saban was undoubtedly the stabilizing force because of his X and O strategy, playing for the GOAT, and managing his defence. T-Rob (Travaris Robinson) left Alabama for Georgia, Pete Golding left (for Ole Miss), Saban retired, and he spent a lot of time with folks like Sam Petitto. Charles (Kelly) also left (for Colorado and is currently at Auburn). While Robert Gillespie and Freddie Roach are still in place, every coach with whom he had a close bond and who taught him the defence has moved on.
“It’s basically a brand-new football curriculum.”
According to the older Downs, his son would prefer to make his transfer location selection within the next 48 hours. College coaches can now get in touch with him and schedule a visit now that he’s formally listed on the portal.
Gary remarked, “Obviously, we’re not starting the recruiting process from scratch.” When Downs went through his high school recruitment process, the other contenders were Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame. “We already know a great deal of these coaches. We’ve visited numerous locations. He is searching for specific things within specific boundaries.
Downs lined up at multiple spots in the Alabama secondary during the fall and also returned punts; he anticipates continuing to do much of the same at his next stop. He is eager to decide, enroll in classes, and begin working with the faculty and his new coworkers.
Since we don’t have much time, we can’t look at a lot of unknowns. It must be past interactions with individuals. Knowing that you have to be ready for change, we want to look for a place that is stable, with the same coach and coordinators.
He recently became 19 years old. He has a lot on his plate right now. You don’t approach this circumstance with the intention of transferring.
At the institution of his choice, Downs will be an immediate team leader in addition to his on-field skills.
Gary remarked, “That kid is as hungry for football Xs and Os as he’s ever been.” Josh, the oldest Downs brother, recently finished his first season as a receiver with the Indianapolis Colts. The elder Downs played in the NFL for seven years. “That child is hungry to keep learning; he is just as hungry today as he has always been.”
During a remarkable final year at Mill Creek High, which culminated in a state title for the biggest class in Georgia, Downs amassed 20 touchdowns by rushing, three additional touchdowns through receiving, and two pick sixes. At the end of his prep career, he finished with 19 picks and 83 tackles along with five interceptions. As an all-around instinctive football player, he broke up 43 passes in his four years as a starter.
“Even if he knew Saban was going to retire at the end of this season he probably still would’ve done it,” added Gary. “Even so, he would have followed through and played for him. He played such a crucial role. He would come home and discuss what Nick had said, his Xs and Os, his plan, and his wisdom.
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