Ohio State Football Star Compares Big Ten and SEC, Acknowledges Argument Flaw
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has shared his insights on the differences between SEC and Big Ten football. Having begun his college career at Alabama, Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2023. After the retirement of Nick Saban, he transferred to Ohio State.
Insights from Caleb Downs on SEC and Big Ten Football
During his appearance on the podcast “See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack,” Downs offered his perspective on the two conferences. He emphasized that in the SEC, athletes consistently face high-level competition. “You’re playing dudes every week,” he stated. “That’s something that you have to prepare your body for, prepare your mind for.”
Big Ten Competition Level
When discussing the Big Ten, Downs acknowledged that only a handful of games feature top-tier competition. “In the Big Ten, you’re going to have four or five games maybe where you’re going to have to play high-level competition,” he said. Despite this belief, his experiences in Columbus led to surprising outcomes.
Postseason Results Challenge Assumptions
Downs admitted that his initial view of the Big Ten was challenged by its postseason performance. “I said that when I first got to Ohio State, and then a lot of the teams that were in the Big Ten ended up beating the SEC team,” he explained.
- In the 2024 postseason, the Big Ten achieved a 5-1 record against SEC teams.
- Downs transferred to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement.
- He was awarded SEC Freshman of the Year in 2023 while at Alabama.
These results indicate a shift in competitive dynamics between the two conferences, prompting ongoing discussions about which is superior. Caleb Downs’ insights reflect a growing conversation in college football, especially as the landscape continues to evolve.
