Ohio State football Security Caleb Downs has entered into a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with sportswear brand Rhoback.
Details of Caleb Downs' contract with the sportswear company have not yet been released, but according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports, the deal could be profitable up to $50,000. Excel Sports presents Downs.
Caleb Downs joins Roebuck
Downs joins a notable list of college stars with NIL deals from Rhoback who includes quarterback Jalen Milroehis former Alabama Crimson Tide teammate. Other notable college football players who have signed with the company include Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik and Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Evers.
The 19-year-old guard joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as the highest-rated player in the transfer portal this offseason. A five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, he previously spent his true freshman season at Alabama but decided to transfer after Nick Saban left.
As the SEC Freshman of the Year and a second-team All-American in his true freshman season, the former Alabama standout has the potential to be one of the biggest stars in college football this year.
Downs during his actual freshman year
Downs finished his freshman campaign with 107 tackles, fourth in the SEC, along with 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He was also named the Shaun Alexander Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the All-SEC First Team.
“I am incredibly excited to work with Rhoback as my official apparel sponsor and become the leading face of their Rhoback U program,” said Downs, via On3’s Pete Nakos.
“It’s easy to see why their presence in college sports has grown so much and why they remain one of the fastest growing sportswear brands in the country,” he continued.
In addition to receiving a significant amount of the company's merchandise, Downs plans to earn commissions on the sales he makes.
Rhoback and Ohio State football logos appear in social media ads
Throughout the season, Ohio State football quarterbacks will appear in social media ads wearing Rhoback uniforms with Buckeyes logos.
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“Their products are the most comfortable I've ever worn, and their media house continues to set the standard with engaging content. From their social content to their gear, I'm a huge fan of their presence in the Ohio State football community,” Downs said.
As a 2026 NFL Draft prospect, Caleb Downs also stands out as the younger brother of Josh Downs, who was selected in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts after a stellar career at North Carolina.
Caleb Downs NIL Score
Downs has an On3 NIL Valuation of $817,000, ranking him 22nd among college football players. That valuation puts him 40th on the On3 NIL 100, which ranks the top 100 high school and college athletes based on their NIL valuations.
The On3 NIL Score is determined by adding together the roster value and the NIL personal value. Roster value reflects the value an athlete receives from being part of their team and the influence of NIL teams. NIL personal value refers to the potential value of an athlete's name, image, and affinity with regional and national brands outside of NIL teams.
Downs is currently odds on winning the Heisman Trophy at +15000, making him an underdog in the race.