Days after making Forbes 30 Under 30, OSU star Caleb Downs drops phrases of knowledge on embracing strain to succeed

On Thursday, Caleb Downs was acknowledged within the 30 Under 30 Local Columbus Class of 2025. The Ohio State security excelled in his first 12 months with the Buckeyes, serving to them win the nationwide championship. In doing so, he was acknowledged as a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.

A couple of days later, on Saturday, Downs sat down with Forbes editor Steven Bertoni at a particular press occasion unveiling the listing. Downs spoke about how his mentality for embracing strain helps him succeed.

“I think the expectation of just success is such a weight on people’s shoulders and the expectation of people that are watching you,” Downs mentioned. “At the end of the day, you can’t care if you fail. You have to be willing to fail if you’re going to succeed.”

“So, if you’re going to try to do anything and if anybody’s going to be watching you do it, that’s pressure. And you have to be willing to say, hey, if I fail, I don’t really care what you think. I’m gonna do it and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and that’s going to give me the best chance to win.”

Caleb Downs transferred to Ohio State earlier than final season after his freshman 12 months with the Alabama Crimson Tide. In his first 12 months with the Buckeyes, Dwons registered 81 whole tackles, together with 48 solo efforts, six passes defended, 0.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Caleb Downs is a contender to be the primary decide within the 2026 NFL draft

If Caleb Downs had been eligible to enter the 2025 NFL draft, he seemingly would have been a high decide. However, since NFL guidelines dictate that gamers have to be three years faraway from highschool to declare for the draft, Downs has to return to varsity for one more season.

Heading into his draft 12 months, Downs is considered as a contender to be the primary decide within the 2026 NFL draft. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s the No. 1-ranked participant getting into the 12 months.

However, simply because Downs is considered as the most effective prospect by some media retailers doesn’t imply he would be the first decide. NFL groups choosing on the high of the draft typically select quarterbacks due to the significance of the place. Notably, QB Cam Ward was chosen first this 12 months regardless of many analysts viewing two-way star Travis Hunter as essentially the most gifted participant.