The Ohio State football program is preparing to make a strong push for the 2024-25 season. The Buckeyes got a massive boost when they landed former Alabama football defensive back Caleb Downs in January via the transfer portal. However, head coach Ryan Day revealed some intriguing plans for Downs amid the team's summer training.

Day revealed that Downs spent some time in running back meetings during the offseason and that the team has had conversations about him playing snaps at RB and safety, per Chase Brown. It would be interesting to see how Downs performs in the backfield. Although, he would be competing with some high-caliber teammates.

Star RB TreVeyon Henderson is returning to the Buckeyes after a stout three-year stint. He comes off a season of 926 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Henderson headlines Ohio State's talented rushing lineup. Fans on social media were not pleased with the team's plans to incorporate Downs, given Urban Meyer's take on the roster.

“As of now, this is one of the most talented rosters in the last decade – maybe ever,” Meyer revealed, via On3. “You look at the quality of athlete at every position, I have never seen anything like it.”

If the Ohio State football squad is stacked, then why would Caleb Downs need to split time between safety and running back? Surely, Ryan Day and the coaching staff see something in Downs that warrants the experimentation.

Regardless of what happens, Downs plans to continue being an outstanding secondary contributor.

Ohio State football looks to take jump in 2024-25

Caleb Downs will be a key member of Ohio State's defense during the 2024-25 season. During his college football debut season with Alabama, Downs finished with 70 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. As a result, the former five-star recruit earned SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors.

Downs decided to leave the highly respected Alabama football program after former head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement. Saban praised Downs' character early on in the 2023-24 season.

“I think what impresses me most about Caleb Downs is his maturity,” Saban said in October. “He's a very instinctive football player. There's no arrogance about him being one of the best players in the country at his position. He's very coachable.”

Perhaps Downs' maturity and coachability are the reason Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are open to experimenting with him at the running back position. Either way, Ohio State looks to boast a stout two-way attack and should provide credence to Urban Meyer's “talent” claim.

Ohio State finished the 2023-24 season with an 11-2 record. They nearly made the College Football Playoff, but their loss to Michigan in the Big 10 title game erased their hopes. Then, the Buckeyes played against the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl and lost 14-3. Ohio State will enter the 2024-25 season with a plan to stay at the top of the Big 10 and make the CFP. However, it will not be easy.

The Buckeyes have to go through the reigning champion Michigan Wolverines to achieve their goals. Ohio State will give it their all as they look for an improved showing in the Fall.