Ryan Day Opens Up on Ohio State Star Likely Destined for the NFL

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, the No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes took on the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff (CFP) 2026 quarterfinal game, the Cotton Bowl, and the results were a total upset.

The Hurricanes took down Ryan Day and the Buckeyes with a 24-14 final score, proving to the college football world that, yes, they do belong in the CFP.

Now, Miami is moving on in the CFP after stopping a rally from Ohio State to win the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes will advance to the CFP semifinals and will play the winner of No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals on Jan. 8.

So, Ohio State’s season has come to an abrupt end, and the game against Miami marked some of the Buckeyes’ players’ final games ever in college football.

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Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs is likely one of those players who just played his final Ohio State game. He’s a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, if he declares.

After the game, when asked about Downs likely playing his final game at Ohio State, Day was nostalgic.

“What Caleb Downs has done for Ohio State and does every day, most of it you see is on the field, but what I see is off the field. He’s a special young man who has done a lot for this program,” he said. “I’ll forever be indebted for what he’s done for us. Not only his play but what he stands for off the field, who he is.”

Day added, “His family is tremendous. He played his tail off tonight. Nobody hurts more than he does.”

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Downs closed out the Cotton Bowl loss with seven solo tackles and 10 combined tackles, according to ESPN research. During his two seasons with the Buckeyes, the 2024 and 25 seasons, Downs averaged two interceptions and 75 combined tackles per season and returned a punt for a touchdown during the 2024 run. He’ll be deeply missed if he declares for the NFL draft, but it’s expected that’s the route he’ll take come spring.