Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles are among the top defensive talents named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, while Tegra Tshabola and Eddrick Houston have been recognized on the Outland Trophy watch list for their impact in the trenches.
Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles being named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, and Tegra Tshabola and Eddrick Houston landing spots on the Outland Trophy watch list, marks more than just preseason recognition—it’s a statement about the strength, potential, and growing reputation of Ohio State’s talent on both sides of the ball. These watch lists, often early indicators of national award contention, don’t just showcase individual prowess; they spotlight the backbone of teams contending for championships. For Ohio State, having four players mentioned across two of college football’s most prestigious awards highlights the depth of its roster and the expectations riding on its 2025 campaign.
Starting with Caleb Downs, the transfer safety from Alabama has quickly become one of the most talked-about defensive players in the country. His freshman year with the Crimson Tide was nothing short of spectacular—he led Alabama in tackles and demonstrated a level of maturity and field awareness that belied his age. Now in Columbus, Downs is expected to be a difference-maker in the Buckeyes’ secondary. His blend of speed, instinct, and physicality makes him an ideal candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which honors the best defensive player in college football. Downs brings not just talent, but also championship experience and a winning mentality. That kind of presence in the secondary can change the trajectory of an entire defense, and his arrival in Columbus has already sent a ripple of excitement through the Buckeye fan base.
Sonny Styles, meanwhile, is a homegrown product—a highly touted recruit out of Ohio who has steadily grown into his role with the Buckeyes. Known for his versatility, Styles has lined up at safety, linebacker, and even in hybrid roles that allow him to cover tight ends and rush the passer. At 6-foot-4 and over 220 pounds, he is a rare blend of size and athleticism. His physical tools are NFL-ready, but it’s his football IQ and ability to adapt that set him apart. Styles is the type of player who can blow up a run play on one snap and then drop back in coverage to disrupt a passing lane the next. With both Downs and Styles anchoring the back end of the defense, Ohio State boasts one of the most intimidating safety duos in the nation. Their inclusion on the Nagurski list speaks to their dominance and potential to be game-changers every Saturday.
On the other side of the ball, Tegra Tshabola’s presence on the Outland Trophy watch list is equally significant. An anchor on the offensive line, Tshabola has developed into a dependable and punishing blocker. He brings a rare combination of brute strength and technical precision, and his improvement in pass protection and run blocking has made him a cornerstone of the Buckeye offensive front. The Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman, often goes to players whose work goes unnoticed by casual fans but is invaluable to team success. For quarterbacks and running backs to thrive, they need guys like Tshabola holding the line. His physical dominance at the point of attack and his leadership in the trenches make him a natural fit for this honor.
Eddrick Houston, a rising young talent, rounds out the group on the Outland Trophy watch list. Though early in his collegiate career, Houston has already generated buzz thanks to his powerful frame, quick hands, and disruptive nature along the defensive line. A former five-star recruit, Houston arrived at Ohio State with sky-high expectations, and he’s lived up to them so far. His inclusion on the Outland watch list this early in his career underscores how quickly he’s made an impression. He has the tools to be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines—his get-off is explosive, and he possesses the strength to collapse pockets and control the line of scrimmage. In an era where disruptive defensive linemen are more valuable than ever, Houston’s rise is something to watch closely this fall.
These four players represent more than just individual excellence—they signify a broader narrative unfolding in Columbus. For years, Ohio State has been known for producing elite talent at nearly every position, and this year is no different. The watch list selections reflect how the Buckeyes are once again poised to be in the thick of the national title race, powered by a mix of experienced transfers, homegrown stars, and high-upside newcomers.
Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles have the potential to redefine what opposing offenses can do through the air. With Downs patrolling the back end and Styles roaming from sideline to sideline, Ohio State’s defense has the versatility and explosiveness needed to neutralize both power-running teams and pass-heavy offenses. Their ability to communicate, read plays, and force turnovers could be the difference in tight Big Ten matchups and potential playoff games. The Nagurski Trophy is notoriously difficult to win, as it spans every defensive position, but few duos in the nation can match the overall impact of Downs and Styles.
Likewise, on the line, Tshabola and Houston represent the physicality and technique that championship teams are built upon. Tshabola’s job is to protect the quarterback and create running lanes—duties that, while often overlooked, are essential to offensive success. Houston’s role is to destroy that stability for the other team, to bring chaos and force hurried throws or negative plays. Their shared presence on the Outland Trophy watch list is a nod to how critical line play remains in football, and a testament to Ohio State’s commitment to dominating in the trenches.
Being named to a preseason watch list is just the beginning. It puts a spotlight on players, adds to the expectations, and in some cases, places a target on their backs. But for athletes like Downs, Styles, Tshabola, and Houston, these are the kinds of expectations they embrace. They came to Ohio State to play under pressure, to compete on the biggest stages, and to win championships. These honors aren’t distractions—they’re motivation.
And it’s not just about personal accolades. For the Buckeyes, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: win the Big Ten, secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, and capture a national title. The presence of four players on major watch lists only strengthens the argument that this team has the pieces to achieve that goal. Whether it’s shutting down Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, opening lanes for explosive running backs, or collapsing pockets on third down, these players will be asked to perform at elite levels week in and week out.
In the months to come, as the season unfolds and the spotlight intensifies, it will be up to these four to meet and exceed the lofty expectations that come with such recognition. The journey won’t be easy—every opponent will bring its best shot, and every mistake will be magnified—but that’s the nature of college football at the highest level.
For now, though, the message is clear: Ohio State isn’t just reloading—it’s rising. With Downs and Styles leading a defense that promises to be one of the most athletic and aggressive in the country, and Tshabola and Houston anchoring a line battle that will decide many games before they even reach the skill players, the Buckeyes are in elite hands. These watch list nods may not guarantee postseason awards, but they do offer a glimpse at who will be shaping the 2025 college football narrative—and the scarlet and gray are once again right at the center of it.
