Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Ohio State Buckeyes Defensive back Caleb Downs faced backlash in the team’s win over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, remaining undefeated on the year.
The play in question occurred in the fourth quarter of No. 1’s 38-14 win. 1 Buckeyes over the Nittany Lions. Penn State Quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer overthrew wide receiver Khalil Dinkins. It appeared Downs lowered his head and hit Dinkins with the crown of his helmet.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
College football fans demanded that officials give Downs a targeting penalty that would have resulted in an ejection. However, officials said there was no foul for targeting, but Downs was called out for unnecessary roughness. He was thrilled after the call was announced.
Downs took advantage of his extra time in the game with an interception.
Fans expressed their outrage on social media.
Downs was asked about the game after the game.
“God gave me one right there,” Downs told reporters. via WSYX-TV. “Really just thankful for the moment they showed me mercy.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates with safety Jaylen McClain (18) and linebacker Sonny Styles (0) after Downs intercepted a pass during the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Downs finished the game with five tackles, including one for a loss.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin was 20 of 23 with 316 passing yards and four touchdown passes. Ohio State wide receivers Carnell Tate (124) and Jeremiah Smith (123) each had more than 120 receiving yards. Tate had a touchdown and Smith had two.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Ohio State Buckeyes defenseman Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson had 105 rushing yards on 13 carries.
The Buckeyes improved to 8-0 on the season while Penn State fell to 3-5. The Nittany Lions have yet to win a game against a Big Ten opponent.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage of X and subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.