Ohio State star Caleb Downs didn't test at the NFL Combine, but rumors are circulating that two major knee issues were flagged.
One of Ohio State's brightest stars had a little bit of a setback at the 2026 NFL Combine. It was pretty much all good vibes surrounding the Buckeyes at the combine until news broke on Monday that might not be the case for Caleb Downs.
Downs is a rising superstar in the NFL. He brings everything to the table with incredible intelligence, a high IQ, amazing instincts, and a true nose for football.
He had another great season, and he is one of the top prospects heading into the draft. That projection might take a bit of a hit with the news that surfaced at the Combine.
It was revealed on Monday that Downs' medicals were flagged with a partially torn meniscus, and there is a concern about a possible "degenerative ACL," which in some cases could lead to a premature tear, according to Cory Kinnan of Daft of Draft.
Kinnan went on to say that this doesn't signify a significant drop for Downs, who is probably going to get a second opinion on the injury. It also isn't career suicide because several prospects have put together nice careers with similar issues, but it is more of a flag for the young star.
This is the very first red flag of Downs' career. He has been the model prospect through his three seasons in college football.
He wasted no time bursting onto the scene in his freshman season in 2022 when he led the SEC freshmen in tackles with 107. He followed that up with two stellar statistical seasons in Columbus with 82 and 68 tackles in years two and three, respectively.
While his stats dipped, anyone with eyes who watched the Buckeyes knew who the leader on the turf was, and it was No. 2.
Downs did everything for the Buckeyes, but his only issue was that he had three other first-round picks playing in front of him. Rarely did a play make it all the way to the third level of the defense, and when it did, he was there to solve it.
The talented playmaker has the ability to play in the post and play near the line of scrimmage. He can cover anyone, he isn't afraid to tackle, he has a nose for the football, and he is the definition of a true leader.
Hopefully, the potential knee issues don't scare too many teams away from taking Downs, but it is going to be on the back of every team's mind.
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