Sun Dec 07 01:20:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Reflects on SEC vs. Big Ten Football: Preconceived Notions Challenged
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama and former SEC Freshman of the Year, has re-evaluated his initial perceptions of the difference between the SEC and Big Ten football conferences. Downs, who appeared on the “See Ball Get Ball” podcast with David Pollack, initially believed the SEC presented a consistently higher level of competition week-to-week.
“I would definitely say SEC… you’re playing dudes every week,” Downs stated, emphasizing the physical and mental preparation required in the conference. He initially felt the Big Ten offered fewer high-stakes matchups.
However, Downs admitted his perspective shifted after observing the 2024 postseason results. “I said that when I first got to Ohio State, and then a lot of the teams that were in the Big Ten, when it came to bowl games, they ended up beating the SEC team,” Downs explained. The Big Ten notably went 5-1 against SEC teams in bowl games, challenging Downs’ initial assessment.
Downs’ comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the competitive landscape of college football’s top conferences and the evolving dynamics between the SEC and Big Ten.
First Piper 