Big news for Ohio State University—two former Buckeye athletes just snagged the 2025-2026 Athletes of the Year honors. Caleb Downs, now making waves in the NFL as a safety, and Joy Dunne, a gold medalist in hockey, are both being celebrated for their impressive achievements on and off the field.
Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little Buckeye pride after hearing about these two.
Caleb Downs: From Buckeye Star to NFL Draft Pick
Caleb Downs was picked 11th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. During his time at Ohio State, he was a dominant force on the football field.
He racked up 68 tackles—five of those for loss—and snagged two interceptions. His defensive skills didn’t go unnoticed; he took home the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Downs was also named Big Ten Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. That’s a lot of hardware for one college career.
Now, with the Cowboys, there’s a lot of buzz about how he’ll do in the NFL. Fans and analysts can’t help but wonder—will his college dominance carry over?
Joy Dunne: A Versatile Hockey Star and Olympic Gold Medalist
Joy Dunne has become a big name in women’s hockey, thanks to her versatility and skill. At Ohio State, she played both forward and defender, which—let’s be honest—is pretty rare.
She scored 27 goals for the Buckeyes and landed a spot on the First Team All-WCHA. Every game, her leadership was obvious.
Then there’s her Olympic run. Representing Team USA, Dunne helped secure a gold medal and scored three goals during the tournament.
She proved she can step up when it matters, whether it’s college or the world stage.
Ohio State’s Impact on College Football and Beyond
Ohio State just keeps producing top-tier athletes like Downs and Dunne. The university’s sports culture is something else.
Even in the world of video games, Ohio State’s home field, The Horseshoe, is ranked as the second-toughest place to play in the upcoming College Football 27—right behind LSU’s Tiger Stadium. That’s saying something.
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
There’s a packed calendar for the Buckeye faithful this season:
- Big Ten Media Days: July 28-30, 2026
- Ohio State vs. Ball State (Season Opener): September 5, 2026
- The Game 2026: November 28, 2026
- Big Ten Championship Game: December 5, 2026
- College Football Playoff First Round: December 18-19, 2026
- College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: December 30, 2026 – January 1, 2027
- College Football Playoff Semifinal: January 14-15, 2027
- College Football Playoff National Championship Game: January 25, 2027
Plenty for fans and players to look forward to. It’s going to be a wild ride for Ohio State sports, as always.
Caleb Downs and Joy Dunne have been named Ohio State’s Athletes of the Year. That’s no small feat, honestly—it’s a nod to their grit, talent, and the long hours they’ve put in.
Their achievements have brought a real sense of pride to the Ohio State community. It’s hard not to feel inspired by what they’ve done.
If you’re curious about the details of their journeys and what makes their stories stand out, you can check out the full article here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
