According to sources, Ohio State University will be conducting an in-home visit on Thursday with Caleb Downs, a promising defensive back who recently entered the transfer portal after the retirement of Alabama's head coach, Nick Saban. Downs, considered the number one player in the transfer portal, has garnered significant interest from top programs, with Ohio State and Georgia emerging as the frontrunners in his recruitment.

The Buckeyes' pursuit of Downs is not new, as they were the runner-up in his high school recruitment back in 2023, losing out to Alabama. A highly touted five-star defensive back, Downs went on to perform exceptionally well for the Crimson Tide, making an immediate impact as a starter in Saban's defense. In his time at Alabama, he recorded an impressive 107 tackles, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and even returned a punt for a touchdown.

Although safety is not an area of immediate concern for Ohio State, the talent and potential of Downs make him an enticing prospect for the program. Tom VanHaaren of ESPN ranks Downs as the top overall prospect in the transfer portal. With the departure of safety Josh Proctor due to graduation, Ohio State is looking to solidify its backfield, and Downs' skills could prove invaluable.

Currently, the free safety spot for the Buckeyes is up for grabs, with contenders including Malik Hartford, Ja'Had Carter, and the possibility of Lathan Ransom shifting from strong safety. Downs' versatility and impressive track record make him a strong candidate to fill that role.

Downs and his family are aiming to make a quick decision regarding his college destination, eager to enroll in classes and start forging connections with his new team. Stability and strong relationships with coaches and coordinators are essential factors in their decision-making process.

Meanwhile, in other transfer portal news, another potential target for Ohio State has emerged. Kadyn Proctor, a former left tackle for Alabama, has officially entered the transfer portal. Proctor, a five-star freshman offensive tackle, started in all 14 games for the Crimson Tide in the 2023 season. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-7 and weighing 360 pounds, he garnered praise for his performance as both a run and pass blocker.

Shortly after announcing his transfer, speculation arose that Proctor may choose to join the Iowa Hawkeyes, located near his hometown of Des Moines. However, Eleven Warriors reports that Ohio State will also make a strong push to recruit Proctor, aiming to secure the services of the highly sought-after offensive tackle.

As both Ohio State and Georgia vie for the talents of Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor, the college football community awaits eagerly to see where these standout players will choose to continue their careers, and how their decisions will impact the landscape of the sport.