Caleb Downs seems to have some kind of feelings about Thursday's Rose Bowl matchup between Alabama and Indiana. It makes sense because the All-American Ohio State safety started his college career at Alabama and has played against Indiana in consecutive seasons.
Maybe Downs is a little bitter about the Buckeyes losing to the Hoosiers a few weeks ago in the Big Ten Championship game. Maybe Downs still has a lot of love for his people with the Crimson Tide or maybe his knowledge of both programs gives him a little insight. Either way, he's rolling with his former school.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is taking Alabama against Indiana despite wanting a rematch against the Hoosiers.
— Crimson Coverage (@CrimsonCoverage) December 24, 2025
“I want get back, but I do think…..Roll Tide,” Downs said.
Downs played for Alabama for one season in 2023 under Nick Saban. pic.twitter.com/eL82RGKgFz
It's very nice that Downs still clearly has a soft spot for Alabama. The former SEC Freshman of the Year was slated to be the Crimson Tide's next great defensive back until Nick Saban retired and Downs decided to enter the transfer portal where he chose Ohio State and helped the Buckeyes win the CFP title last season. Downs isn't the only former Tide player that likes Alabama's chances.
Caleb Downs' history with Alabama
Downs was a five-star prospect out of Mill Creek High School in North Georgia. He was ranked No. 8 overall in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports and committed to the Crimson Tide over Georgia and Ohio State.
He was immediately a young star on the Alabama defense, leading the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles and two interceptions. Downs received first-team All-SEC and Freshman All-American honors. He made a decision to transfer on January 17, 2024, five days after Kalen DeBoer was hired to replace Saban.
What are the current Rose Bowl odds?
According to FanDuel, Indiana is a 6.5-point favorite over Alabama in Thursday's game in Pasadena, California. The point total currently sits at 48.5 and the Crimson Tide are +205 on the money line.
Alabama's overall odds to win the College Football Playoff are +1700, which are the sixth-best odds among the eight teams remaining. Only Miami (+2000) and Ole Miss (+2200) have lower odds. Indiana, however, has the second-best odds at +300, just behind Ohio State (+190).