Alabama Star DB Caleb Downs Expected to Enter Transfer Portal with Georgia Favored as Potential Landing Spot

Alabama star safety Caleb Downs is set to enter the transfer portal after an impressive freshman season, and Georgia is the frontrunner to land him, according to sources. Downs, who was named SEC Freshman of the Year, played a pivotal role in the Crimson Tide‘s run to the College Football Playoff.

The timing of Downs’ decision to enter the portal is outside the designated window for transfers, but Alabama triggered a 30-day transfer period for its players. This would be a significant loss for Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Rated as a five-star prospect and the top safety in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Downs lived up to the hype in his first season at Alabama. He recorded 107 tackles, two interceptions, and earned FWAA Freshman All-American and second-team All-SEC honors. His coverage grade of 88.9 from Pro Football Focus was the best among safeties in the conference.

Downs’ ties to Georgia make the Bulldogs an attractive landing spot. Travaris Robinson, who coached Downs at Alabama, recently joined Georgia’s coaching staff as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Downs hails from Hoschton, Georgia, and was strongly considering Georgia before committing to Alabama. Additionally, Georgia has a vacancy at safety after Khamauri Rogers declared for the NFL Draft.

If a move to Georgia doesn’t materialize, Downs will have no shortage of suitors. With two seasons of eligibility remaining before the NFL Draft, he is one of the most sought-after non-quarterback transfers in college football. Michigan State is another potential destination to watch out for, according to 247Sports.

Downs isn’t the only high-profile player leaving Alabama’s secondary amid head coach Nick Saban‘s retirement. Cornerbacks AJ Johnson and Christian Leary have also entered the transfer portal, leaving Alabama’s 2024 secondary in a state of flux as DeBoer assembles his coaching staff.

DeBoer, who was formerly the head coach at South Alabama, has brought in Kane Wommack as Alabama’s defensive coordinator. Wommack had a successful stint as head coach at South Alabama, leading the program to consecutive bowl appearances. Maurice Linguist, the former cornerbacks coach at Texas A&M, is also expected to join Alabama’s defensive staff.

With multiple coaching changes and key departures, Alabama’s defense will have some rebuilding to do in the upcoming season. However, with DeBoer’s coaching hires and the potential addition of Caleb Downs, the Crimson Tide remains a formidable force in college football.