Ohio State All-American Caleb Downs calls out the most underrated player on the Buckeyes' roster in 2024

The Ohio State Buckeyes have the best roster in college football. Even if Georgia is ranked higher than the Buckeyes in the AP poll, there's no more feared defense in the nation than in Columbus, Ohio. One star Buckeye said there's a teammate who will help the defense even more than most expect.

New Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who arrived on campus from Alabama after an All-American freshman season, said there's an underrated player who is elite on the defense that no one is talking about. If Downs is correct, the Buckeyes' elite secondary will be even scarier.

Downs told Spencer Holbrook of Lettermen Row that safety Lathan Ransom is an "elite player" who should be getting more hype.

Ransom, who played in nine games in 2023 and produced 34 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups, is in his senior season. He was much more productive in 2022, tallying 74 tackles, one interception, and 1.5 sacks as he played closer to the line of scrimmage. His versatility to play deep safety helped Ohio State's defense evolve in 2023.

Downs explained Ransom is underrated since Downs is getting all of the hype. He doesn't understand why Ransom has been a forgotten man, considering he "plays hard" and "battles through everything that comes his way."

Ransom was a 4-star recruit from Arizona. 247Sports had this to say about his profile when he came out of Salpointe Catholic:

Athletic build with length. Frame to add weight without sacrificing flexibility. Highly instinctual defensive back with tremendous range. Hard hitter that looks for loud tackles. Covers ground in the back half. Reacts well to plays in front of him. Smooth in his backpedal and closes on the football. Versatility to contribute at nickel and make an impact near the line of scrimmage. Could improve tackling technique to avoid leading with his head. Potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level and upside as NFL Draft Day 2 selection.