Caleb Downs Picks Alabama Over Indiana in Rose Bowl Matchup - And There’s History Behind That Call
Caleb Downs isn’t suiting up in this year’s Rose Bowl, but that doesn’t mean he’s not invested in the matchup. The All-American Ohio State safety made it clear where his loyalty lies ahead of Thursday’s showdown between Alabama and Indiana - and it’s with his old team.
“I want get back, but I do think…..Roll Tide,” Downs said, referencing his desire to face Indiana again after Ohio State’s loss to the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship. That game ended the Buckeyes’ hopes of a repeat title run, but Downs still found a way to make his voice heard in the playoff conversation - by backing his former squad.
There’s some weight behind that pick, too. Downs didn’t just pass through Tuscaloosa - he was on track to be the next great defensive cornerstone for the Crimson Tide before Nick Saban’s retirement sent shockwaves through the program.
From Tuscaloosa to Columbus - Downs’ Journey
Downs arrived at Alabama with sky-high expectations. A five-star recruit out of Mill Creek High School in Georgia, he was ranked No. 8 overall in the Class of 2023. He chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia and Ohio State, and it didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt.
As a true freshman, Downs led Alabama in tackles with 107 and added two interceptions to his stat sheet. That production earned him SEC Freshman of the Year honors, along with First-Team All-SEC and Freshman All-American recognition. He looked every bit the part of the next elite Alabama safety.
But the program shifted dramatically when Saban retired. Just five days after Kalen DeBoer was hired to take over, Downs entered the transfer portal and landed at Ohio State. It was a massive get for the Buckeyes - and he delivered, helping Ohio State capture the College Football Playoff title last season.
So when Downs gives Alabama the nod over Indiana, it’s more than just a former player showing love. It’s someone who’s been in both locker rooms, faced both teams, and knows what it takes to win on this stage.
The Rose Bowl Stakes - And the Numbers Behind the Matchup
According to FanDuel, Indiana enters Thursday’s Rose Bowl as a 6.5-point favorite over Alabama. The game will be played in Pasadena, California, and oddsmakers have the point total set at 48.5. Alabama sits at +205 on the moneyline, meaning they’re viewed as underdogs - but not overwhelming ones.
When it comes to the big picture, Alabama’s odds to win the College Football Playoff are +1700, sixth among the eight remaining teams. Only Miami (+2000) and Ole Miss (+2200) have longer odds. Indiana, on the other hand, is right near the top with +300 odds - second only to Ohio State at +190.
That context makes Downs’ pick even more interesting. He’s backing a team that’s not favored, a team that’s been through a coaching transition and roster turnover - but also a team he knows from the inside out. A team that, when it’s right, still carries that championship DNA.
Familiar Foes and Unfinished Business
Downs’ connection to this matchup runs deeper than just his Alabama ties. He’s faced Indiana two seasons in a row - once as a member of the Crimson Tide, and again this year with Ohio State. That familiarity gives his opinion some extra weight, especially considering the Hoosiers just handed the Buckeyes one of their most painful losses in recent memory.
It’s clear Downs would love another shot at Indiana. That’s what he meant by “I want get back.” But since that rematch isn’t in the cards, he’s throwing his support behind the Tide - the program that helped launch his college career and shaped him into one of the top defensive backs in the country.
Whether Alabama can pull off the upset remains to be seen. But if you’re looking for a voice with insight into both programs, Downs is as qualified as they come. And he’s made his call: Roll Tide.