The undefeated and No. 1-ranked Buckeyes could have several players bringing home major hardware at the end of the season. Five Buckeyes have been named finalists for national awards.
Junior safety Caleb Daowns was named a finalist for defensive player of the year awards such as the Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski trophy. Additionally, Downs was named a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in the country.
Downs was also named a finalist for the Lott Impact trophy, which honors on-field performance, academic standing, community contributions, leadership and overall character.
Downs has had another great season this year with the Buckeyes. His 49 total tackles are the third-most on the team, and his two interceptions are the most on the team.
Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin was also named a finalist for multiple awards. The Buckeyes’ signal-caller was named a finalist for the Maxwell Award, given to the most outstanding player in college football and the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the best quarterback in the country.
Sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in the country. Smith has missed time in each of Ohio State’s last two games with an undisclosed injury, but he still has 69 catches for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
Junior defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was named a finalist for the Outland trophy, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in the country. McDonald has had a career-best year for the Buckeyes. In his first year as a starter, McDonald has totalled 47 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Finally, sophomore linebacker Arvell Reese was named a finalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the top linebacker in the country. Reese has also had a spectacular season. Reese’s 59 total tackles are the second-most on the team, and his 6.5 sacks are also the second-most on the team.
