Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was considered by many NFL Draftniks the best overall prospect of the 2026 class, regardless of position. Being ranked the top overall prospect does not mean you go #1 of course, because safeties are just not as highly valued, by the NFL Draft process, as quarterbacks, edge rushers/defensive ends/outside linebackers, pass protecting offensive tackles or cornerbacks.
And thus, Downs went 11th overall to the Dallas Cowboys. His departure has left a void in Columbus, and it will be filled by junior Jaylen McClain.
At Media Day, McClain made it clear that he's trying to only be himself, and not the next Caleb Downs.
"I'm not here to be Caleb Downs," he said. "Great player. That's my brother right there and I love him to death.
But that's just not who I'm trying to be.
"I'm just trying to be myself."
So who is McClain? For those that don't know he described his game as follows:
"I'll say very fast, and a physical type of player as well. I don't shy away from any type of contact. Go make plays, go tackle, go get the ball too. I like to show off my IQ a little bit as well."
The junior was a three-star recruit, which isn't a newsworthy item at most schools, this is Ohio State- almost are the starters are five-stars and four-stars. McClain isn't just a starter, he's one of the Buckeyes' primary leaders. On Wednesday, he was named one of the team captains for the 2026 season.
Projected as a fourth-round prospect for 2027, if he has a big season and comes back for his senior year, who knows just how high ceiling could be in 2028.
"Like I said before, I got a chip on both my shoulders," McClain said.
"I feel like I still have a lot to prove. I mean, I haven't really done much, as it's just the start of the season, but I still have a lot more to show."
McClain had 53 tackles and three passes defended in 2025, but he's working hard to get better, and increase that statistical production for 2026. He discussed the good, solid weight that he's put on this off-season, as he went from under 200 pounds to a solid 205.
"I'm heavier now, but I feel great at the end of the day," he said. "I feel I'm running faster. I'm very smooth. I've been running around a lot, getting stronger."
Expect to see McClain take a huge leap forward this season.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Jaylen McClain now steps in for Caleb Downs at Ohio State
