NCAA Football

Ohio State’s Caleb Downs says Michigan teaches offensive linemen to hold

By Michael SandersMarch 12, 2026No Comments7 Mins Read

Former Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs think Michigan taught their offensive linemen to intentionally hold players back, he expressed in one episode: “Downs 2 Business“ March 4 podcast.

Discussing offensive line play with former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, Downs claimed that in general, offensive linemen hold back every play when blocking, something Judkins disagreed with.

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“They literally teach people how to hold,” Downs said. “There are people who learn to grab the back of the shoulder pads.”

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle James Smith (3) warms up during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Qua Russaw (4) warms up during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day speaks to his team during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, left, talks with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a punt during the first day of spring practices for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs during the first day of spring practices for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) runs during the first day of spring practices of the 2026 football season at Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterbacks, from left, Justyn Martin, Julian Sayin, Tavien St. Clair and Luke Fahey drop back to pass during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterbacks, from left, Justyn Martin, Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair return to pass during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Austin Siereveld (67) puts on his helmet during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) catches a pass during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) runs during the first day of spring practices for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes co-offensive coordinator Keenan Bailey shouts during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ian Moore (69) moves during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Arthur Smith watches the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive line coach Tyler Bowen talks with linemen Ian Moore and Deontae Armstrong during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Carter watches the first day of spring practices of the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver De’zie Jones (8) catches a pass during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Hunter Welcing (84) catches a pass during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Sports Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Ohio State Buckeyes running backs coach Carlos Locklyn talks with his running backs team during the first day of spring practice for the 2026 football season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026.

Downs then brought up an example.

“We played Michigan this year, you watch the film,” said Downs, who then made a grabbing motion. “I’m like, bro, that’s bad, bad football.”

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) waves to fans as he leaves the field after the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, November 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.

Ohio State defeated Michigan in the 2025-26 season 27-9.

This article was originally published on The Columbus Dispatch: Caleb Downs says Michigan is teaching linemen to grip shoulder pads

Michael Sanders

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