For the first time in program history, Ohio State had three players earn unanimous All-American honors in the same season. Junior safety Caleb Downs, junior defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith all became unanimous All-Americans after earning first-team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America on Thursday.
Downs, McDonald and Smith also earned first-team All-America honors by the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Downs, who was also named a unanimous All-American last season, has totaled 60 tackles so far this season. Downs also has two interceptions and a sack on the season.
Unlike Downs, McDonald was not necessarily expected to be a unanimous All-American this year. In his first year as a starter, McDonald has totaled 57 tackles, including 8 for loss. McDonald also has a career-high 3 sacks.
So far this season, Smith has arguably been Ohio State’s best offensive player. The sophomore receiver has 1,086 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 80 catches this season.
It is the first time since 2019 that the Buckeyes have had more than one player named a unanimous All-American. That year, defensive end Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah were named unanimous All-Americans.
Sophomore linebacker Arvell Reese was the only Ohio State player to earn second-team All-American honors by the FWAA.
