Downs, a Jim Thorpe Award winner and the heart of Ohio State’s secondary, is widely projected as a top-10 pick in April. His announcement comes after a dominant season in which he led the team in tackles and became a national standout for his physicality and football IQ.
“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to wear the Block O,” Downs wrote in a statement posted on social media. “Ohio State helped shape me as a player and as a man — now it’s time to chase the next dream.”
Tate, a junior receiver, follows Downs out the door after a breakout season that saw him emerge as the Buckeyes’ top deep threat. With over 1,100 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, Tate’s combination of size, speed, and body control vaulted him into early-round NFL discussions. Industry scouts project him as a late first-round or early second-round selection.
Head coach Ryan Day praised both players for their impact on and off the field. “Caleb and Carnell represent everything that’s right about Ohio State football,” Day said in a statement. “They’ve set the standard for what it means to compete and lead in this program.”
Their departures mark a pivotal offseason for Ohio State, which now faces the challenge of replacing two cornerstone talents heading into 2026. With both stars turning pro, the Buckeyes’ roster will lean heavily on younger players and incoming recruits to carry the torch into next year’s campaign.