Former Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs thinks Michigan has taught their offensive linemen to intentionally hold on to players, he expressed in an episode the “Downs 2 Business” podcast March 4.
Discussing offensive line play with former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, Downs claimed that in general, offensive linemen hold on every play when blocking, which Judkins disagreed with.
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“They literally teach people to hold,” Downs said. “There’s people that teach to grab the back of the shoulder pads.”
Downs then brought up an example.
“We played Michigan this year, you watch the film,” Downs said, who then made a grabbing motion. “I’m like, bro, this is bad, bad football.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) high fives fans as he leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Ohio State beat Michigan in the 2025-26 season 27-9.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Caleb Downs claims Michigan teaches linemen to grab shoulder pads
