Caleb Downs called for personal foul, no targeting in Ohio State-Penn State game

Ohio State star defensive back Caleb Downs was called for a personal foul in the fourth quarter of a 38-14 game against Penn State. He attempted to breakup a pass but led with his helmet and shoulder toward the head area of tight end Khalil Dinkins.

At first, it was called targeting on the field but went under review. Upon further review, the officials deemed it no targeting for Downs, who screamed in joyous celebration that he was not ejected.

The otherworldly DB thanked his lucky stars because he would’ve had to sit in the first half vs. Purdue next week, had he been ejected. You can see the play below and judge for yourself.

Caleb Downs with a brutal hit 😬 pic.twitter.com/EJUjUnP3q9

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 1, 2025

Naturally, Downs ended Penn State’s drive a few plays later in the end zone. He grabbed his second interception of the season.

Caleb Downs stays in game, Julian Sayin Heisman favorite

Caleb Downs was able to stay in the game as Ohio State led 38-14, cruising at home against the Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes came in at 7-0 and No. 1 in the country, while Penn State rode a four-game losing streak and sat at 3-4.

QB Julian Sayin, another star with Downs on this Ohio State team, became the Heisman Trophy favorite Saturday afternoon. He passed IU QB Fernando Mendoza.

Sayin (+200 odds) carved up the Nittany Lions defense at home. At that point in the game, Sayin was 20-of-23 passing for 316 yards and four touchdowns.

At roughly 2:30 p.m. ET, prior to the fourth quarter, Sayin was not the favorite as he was listed at +275, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (+225). That’s now changed.