Caleb Downs has quickly become a standout player for the Ohio State Buckeyes after transferring from Alabama. His contributions on the field have been nothing short of phenomenal, helping the team secure a spot in the national championship. As the Buckeyes prepare to face off against Notre Dame, Downs has made headlines once again by signing an NIL deal with Panini America.
Exciting Partnership with Panini America
On Thursday afternoon, Downs announced his exclusive partnership with the renowned trading card company. With an impressive $2.3 million On3 NIL Valuation, he joins a prestigious group of athletes, including Arch Manning, Zachariah Branch, and fellow teammate Julian Sayin. Notably, Downs is the first defensive player to sign exclusively with Panini, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Downs’ Impact on the Field
This season, Downs has established himself as a key player in the Ohio State defense. Arriving as a top-ranked transfer, he has quickly become the centerpiece of Jim Knowles’ defensive strategy. As he heads into the College Football Playoff national championship, Downs boasts impressive stats: 77 tackles, including a career-high eight tackles for loss, along with a half-sack and two interceptions. His performance has earned him the title of unanimous All-American, a testament to his skill and dedication on the field.
A Growing Portfolio of Endorsements
Downs’ deal with Panini America adds to an impressive portfolio of endorsements. He has already signed a five-figure deal with Rhoback and a seven-figure agreement with the NIL collective, THE Foundation. This growing list of partnerships illustrates how Downs is capitalizing on the NIL landscape, which has become increasingly lucrative for college athletes. Repped by Excel Sports Management, he has also inked deals with American Eagle Outfitters and Beats by Dre during the 2024 season.
Caleb Downs’ NIL Valuation and Rankings
Caleb Downs currently ranks No. 17 in the college football NIL rankings and No. 21 in the On3 NIL 100, which evaluates the top 100 high school and college athletes based on their On3 NIL Valuation. Impressively, he stands as the second-highest ranked player on the Ohio State roster, trailing only star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. This recognition not only highlights his on-field talent but also his marketability as a brand ambassador.
Words from the Athlete
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Downs stated, “I’m excited to join the Panini Family through this exclusive partnership and look forward to sharing my journey through trading cards. As a kid, you always dream of getting your own card, and seeing the detail Panini puts into the collection makes this moment even more special.” His enthusiasm reflects the passion many young athletes feel as they navigate their careers and explore opportunities that come with NIL deals.
Panini’s Perspective on the Partnership
Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, shared his thoughts on welcoming Downs to the Panini family. “We’ve had a chance to get to know Caleb over the last few years and are excited to welcome him as the first exclusive defensive NIL player,” he said. “Caleb is one of those special playmakers on the field, and that’s something we noticed going into this season. More importantly, he’s an even greater guy off the field.” This endorsement from Panini reinforces the positive impression Downs has made both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
As the national championship approaches, all eyes will be on Caleb Downs. His journey from Alabama to Ohio State has been remarkable, and his impact on the Buckeyes’ defense is undeniable. With his recent NIL deal with Panini America, he is not only making waves in college football but also setting a standard for future athletes navigating the NIL landscape. Will he lead Ohio State to victory against Notre Dame? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Caleb Downs is a name to watch in the world of college football.
