Ohio State head coach **Ryan Day** recently provided an update on star safety **Caleb Downs**, revealing that he is dealing with a **nagging injury** that has limited his participation in spring practice [A](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ohio-state-buckeyes-news/ryan-day-caleb-downs-injury-update-buckeyes-2025-spring/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRvenNwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL29oaW8tc3RhdGUtYnVja2V5ZXMtbmV3c1wvcnlhbi1kYXktY2FsZWItZG93bnMtaW5qdXJ5LXVwZGF0ZS1idWNrZXllcy0yMDI1LXNwcmluZ1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). While the severity of the injury has raised concerns among fans, Downs himself has reassured that he is “good for the most part” and is expected to recover in time for the upcoming season [B](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2025/04/155574/caleb-downs-says-hes-good-for-the-most-part-despite-being-limited-in-spring-practice-with-a-nagging-injury-as-he?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmVsZXZlbndhcnJpb3JzLmNvbVwvb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1mb290YmFsbFwvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzE1NTU3NFwvY2FsZWItZG93bnMtc2F5cy1oZXMtZ29vZC1mb3ItdGhlLW1vc3QtcGFydC1kZXNwaXRlLWJlaW5nLWxpbWl0ZWQtaW4tc3ByaW5nLXByYWN0aWNlLXdpdGgtYS1uYWdnaW5nLWluanVyeS1hcy1oZSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **A Crucial Piece for Ohio State’s Defense**
Downs, who transferred from **Alabama** to Ohio State, has quickly become one of the most important players on the Buckeyes’ defense. His ability to **read plays, make tackles, and disrupt opposing offenses** has made him a standout performer. In his first season with Ohio State, Downs recorded **82 tackles, two interceptions, and a half sack**, proving his value as a defensive leader [A](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ohio-state-buckeyes-news/ryan-day-caleb-downs-injury-update-buckeyes-2025-spring/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRvenNwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL29oaW8tc3RhdGUtYnVja2V5ZXMtbmV3c1wvcnlhbi1kYXktY2FsZWItZG93bnMtaW5qdXJ5LXVwZGF0ZS1idWNrZXllcy0yMDI1LXNwcmluZ1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Given his impact on the field, any injury concern surrounding Downs is significant. His presence in the secondary is crucial for Ohio State’s defensive schemes, and his ability to stay healthy will play a major role in the team’s success in the **2025 season**.
### **Ryan Day’s Update and Precautionary Measures**
During a press conference, Ryan Day acknowledged that Downs is dealing with an injury but emphasized that it is **not serious**. He described it as a **nagging issue**, which has led to Downs being limited in some drills during spring practice [A](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ohio-state-buckeyes-news/ryan-day-caleb-downs-injury-update-buckeyes-2025-spring/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRvenNwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL29oaW8tc3RhdGUtYnVja2V5ZXMtbmV3c1wvcnlhbi1kYXktY2FsZWItZG93bnMtaW5qdXJ5LXVwZGF0ZS1idWNrZXllcy0yMDI1LXNwcmluZ1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, Downs has still been able to participate in certain team activities, ensuring that he remains engaged with the defensive unit.
Day also mentioned that Ohio State is taking a **cautious approach** with Downs, ensuring that he does not aggravate the injury further. With over **five months** remaining before the start of the season, the Buckeyes are prioritizing his long-term health rather than rushing him back into full-contact drills [A](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ohio-state-buckeyes-news/ryan-day-caleb-downs-injury-update-buckeyes-2025-spring/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRvenNwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL29oaW8tc3RhdGUtYnVja2V5ZXMtbmV3c1wvcnlhbi1kYXktY2FsZWItZG93bnMtaW5qdXJ5LXVwZGF0ZS1idWNrZXllcy0yMDI1LXNwcmluZ1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Downs’ Perspective on His Recovery**
Despite the concerns, Downs himself has downplayed the severity of the injury. Speaking to reporters, he stated that he is “good for the most part” and that his limited reps in spring practice are primarily due to the **high number of snaps** he played last season [B](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2025/04/155574/caleb-downs-says-hes-good-for-the-most-part-despite-being-limited-in-spring-practice-with-a-nagging-injury-as-he?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmVsZXZlbndhcnJpb3JzLmNvbVwvb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1mb290YmFsbFwvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzE1NTU3NFwvY2FsZWItZG93bnMtc2F5cy1oZXMtZ29vZC1mb3ItdGhlLW1vc3QtcGFydC1kZXNwaXRlLWJlaW5nLWxpbWl0ZWQtaW4tc3ByaW5nLXByYWN0aWNlLXdpdGgtYS1uYWdnaW5nLWluanVyeS1hcy1oZSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Downs led all Ohio State defensive players with **910 snaps**, which may have contributed to the wear and tear he is currently experiencing [B](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2025/04/155574/caleb-downs-says-hes-good-for-the-most-part-despite-being-limited-in-spring-practice-with-a-nagging-injury-as-he?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmVsZXZlbndhcnJpb3JzLmNvbVwvb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1mb290YmFsbFwvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzE1NTU3NFwvY2FsZWItZG93bnMtc2F5cy1oZXMtZ29vZC1mb3ItdGhlLW1vc3QtcGFydC1kZXNwaXRlLWJlaW5nLWxpbWl0ZWQtaW4tc3ByaW5nLXByYWN0aWNlLXdpdGgtYS1uYWdnaW5nLWluanVyeS1hcy1oZSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Downs has also used this time to **learn from the coaching staff**, particularly defensive coordinator **Matt Patricia**. He has been studying Ohio State’s defensive schemes and assisting his teammates, ensuring that he remains mentally sharp even while physically limited [B](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2025/04/155574/caleb-downs-says-hes-good-for-the-most-part-despite-being-limited-in-spring-practice-with-a-nagging-injury-as-he?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibmhGellWSjlqOFRaWEU4c0dOZ1VvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmVsZXZlbndhcnJpb3JzLmNvbVwvb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1mb290YmFsbFwvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzE1NTU3NFwvY2FsZWItZG93bnMtc2F5cy1oZXMtZ29vZC1mb3ItdGhlLW1vc3QtcGFydC1kZXNwaXRlLWJlaW5nLWxpbWl0ZWQtaW4tc3ByaW5nLXByYWN0aWNlLXdpdGgtYS1uYWdnaW5nLWluanVyeS1hcy1oZSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) precautions to ensure his full recovery, and Downs himself has expressed confidence in his ability to return to peak form. As the Buckeyes prepare for the.
### **Looking Ahead**
While Downs’ injury has raised concerns, the overall outlook remains positive. Ohio State is taking the necessary
