2025 Preseason Herbie Awards: Caleb Downs wins Ultimate Herbie

During his Herbie Awards show, Kirk Herbstreit’s highest honor is the Ultimate Herbie award. This year, the 2025 preseason honor went to Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Downs emerged as a leader on the Buckeyes defense last year, helping the program win its first national championship under head coach Ryan Day. A former Alabama transfer, he’s also generating buzz as a highly rated NFL Draft selection.

Between his on-field abilities, as well as what he does as a leader, Downs will be the centerpiece of Ohio State’s unit this year. He’s also Herbstreit’s winner of the Ultimate Herbie award.

“A lot was lost off that national championship team,” Herbstreit said on the show. “I would really point to the defense. I mean, you had a lot of three and four-year starters, so a lot of production and a lot of leadership. Caleb Downs is not only a guy that they’re going to be able to turn to, to be versatile within the scheme with Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator. You’re going to have him back there communicating, making sure everybody’s on the same page.

“You’ve got Arch Manning in Week 1. They’re going to come out with Sark with some unique formations because they just played each other late last year. They’re going to have to turn to No. 2 to get them right along with Sonny Styles to provide that leadership. But very fitting award, to me, with the ultimate Herbie going to Caleb Downs – who, again, does it all.

Downs put together a strong debut season in Columbus in 2024, helping lead Ohio State to a national title. He totaled 82 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and a half-sack, along with two interceptions to become an All-American. That came after he burst onto the scene at Alabama in 2023 with 107 tackles – including an SEC-leading 70 solo stops – and four tackles for loss.

What is the Ultimate Herbie?

Kirk Herbstreit’s “Ultimate Herbie” award goes to a player who exemplifies success on and off the field. In Caleb Downs, he sees a player who fits that mold, especially as one of the key returners for Ohio State in 2025.

As college sports transforms, Herbstreit views the “Ultimate Herbie” winner as an old-school player. He gives the honor to someone who focuses on his job, does it well and helps others do theirs.

“I think the Ultimate Herbie is not only a guy that impacts his team on the field, but off the field,” Herbstreit said. “Tremendous teammate, the intangibles are there, great leadership. Just a guy that kind of buys in. Loves the game, kind of a throwback to his approach. In this era of NIL and the portal, just a player that really engages with his teammates and makes a difference.”