Caleb Downs.
That's it. That's the lede. The other pieces will fall into place, but with arguably the best defender in college football back on Ohio State's roster in 2025, the rest of the safety room could be filled with 12-year-olds and the position would probably still be a strength for the Buckeyes this year.
Hyperbole aside, the competition between junior Malik Hartford and sophomore Jaylen McClain to replace Lathan Ransom alongside Downs will be among the most interesting to follow this offseason for Ohio State. The scheme of new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could also throw a curveball into how they – and potentially incoming freshman Faheem Delane – are utilized this season.