BREAKING NEWS – Ohio State football star Caleb Downs has declined a tampering move made by Tennessee to lure him into the transfer portal. Caleb Downs turned down a tempting $8.7 million NIL offer, a double of his current NIL, insisting to finish off his….

BREAKING NEWS – Ohio State football star Caleb Downs has officially declined a high-stakes tampering attempt by the University of Tennessee, who tried to entice him into the transfer portal with a massive $8.7 million NIL deal. The offer, which is nearly double his current NIL valuation, was part of an aggressive push to flip the All-American safety just months after his transfer from Alabama to Ohio State.

Sources close to the program say Downs was flattered but ultimately unmoved by the offer, emphasizing his commitment to Ohio State and his goal of winning a national championship with the Buckeyes. “I came here with a purpose,” Downs reportedly told teammates. “No amount of money is going to pull me away from that.” His decision has been praised by coaches and fans alike, reinforcing his image as a team-first leader with long-term vision.

The attempted poaching by Tennessee highlights growing concerns about tampering in the NIL era, where elite athletes are increasingly targeted with lucrative offers. Downs’ decision not only sets a precedent for player loyalty, but also raises serious questions about how far programs are willing to go to build rosters. As college football navigates these uncharted waters, all eyes will be on the NCAA to address the enforcement gaps that allow such incidents to unfold.