Caleb Downs recalls decision to transfer after Nick Saban's retirement: 'I didn't really want to leave'

When Nick Saban announced his retirement in January 2024, Alabama players had a 30-day transfer portal open. A slew of Crimson Tide players opted to enter – including Caleb Downs, who committed to Ohio State.

Downs recalled the moments after Saban’s retirement and his thought process about his future. He was coming off a standout season as a true freshman, totaling 107 tackles and two interceptions. He officially entered the transfer portal Jan. 17, one week after Saban announced he was stepping away from the sidelines.

After Saban’s announcement, Downs said he took time to consider his next steps. That included seeing what direction Alabama would go with its next coach. He said he didn’t necessarily want to leave Tuscaloosa, but he ultimately chose to enter the portal and make his way to Columbus.

“I didn’t know right away that I was going to hit the portal,” Downs said Saturday at College Football Playoff national championship media day. “I tried to give every opportunity to stay. I stayed for like an extra like six days, five days, just to feel out the new coaching staff, see who they were going to hire and see if I could stay, because at that time I didn’t really want to leave, and I wanted to stick to my choice that I made in high school to stay there. And it didn’t turn out that way.”

Downs became the biggest name to enter the portal during the 2024 cycle, ranking No. 1 in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. At Ohio State, he became a unanimous All-American this year while helping the Buckeyes to an appearance in the title game against Notre Dame on Monday.

Saban’s decision sent a shockwave across the college football world as the greatest of all time decided to walk away. Downs was also surprised, especially since Saban was a key factor in his decision to play at Alabama.

“That came at a huge shock to me,” Downs said. “I didn’t see it coming at all, and even when he said it, I was still like, did this really just happen, because that was one of the main reasons I went there to Alabama. And it was a really difficult time for me.”

Caleb Downs is now a centerpiece of Jim Knowles’ defense at Ohio State, helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship berth. They will take on Notre Dame Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.