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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs faced backlash Saturday during the team’s win over the Penn State Nittany Lions to remain undefeated this year.
The play in question took place in the fourth quarter of the No. 1 Buckeyes’ 38-14 win over the Nittany Lions. Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer overthrew receiver Khalil Dinkins. It appears Downs lowered his head and nailed Dinkins with the crown of his helmet.
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes an interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on November 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
College football fans demanded that officials impose a targeting penalty on Downs, which would have led to an ejection. However, officials said there was no foul play for the targeting, but Downs was called out for unnecessary brutality. He was elated after the call was announced.
Downs took advantage of his extension in the game with an interception.
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Fans expressed their fury on social media.
Downs was asked about the play after the game.
“God gave me one there,” Downs told reporters via WSYX-TV. “Really, I just appreciated the moment when they showed me mercy.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates with safety Jaylen McClain (18) and linebacker Sonny Styles (0) after Downs intercepted a pass in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Downs finished with five tackles in the game, including one for loss.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin was 20 of 23 with 316 passing yards and four touchdowns. Ohio State receivers Carnell Tate (124) and Jeremiah Smith (123) each had more than 120 receiving yards. Tate had a touchdown and Smith had two.
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on November 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson had 105 rushing yards on 13 carries.
The Buckeyes improved to 8-0 on the season while Penn State fell to 3-5. The Nittany Lions have yet to win a game against a Big Ten opponent.
