Alabama Safety Caleb Downs Enters NCAA Transfer Portal After Helping Lead Team to SEC Championship Game Win and College Football Playoff Appearance

Tuscaloosa, AL, Alabama United States of America
Alabama safety Caleb Downs is officially in the NCAA transfer portal.
He helped lead Alabama to an SEC Championship Game win and College Football Playoff appearance, posting a team-high 107 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Alabama Safety Caleb Downs Enters NCAA Transfer Portal After Helping Lead Team to SEC Championship Game Win and College Football Playoff Appearance

Alabama safety Caleb Downs is officially in the NCAA transfer portal. He helped lead Alabama to an SEC Championship Game win and College Football Playoff appearance, posting a team-high 107 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.


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Confidence

100%

Doubts
  • None.

Sources

93%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The family of Caleb Downs talks whats next after the Alabama safety officially goes into the transfer portal

247 Sports Steve Wiltfong Thursday, 18 January 2024 10:42
  • Unique Points
    • Alabama safety Caleb Downs is officially in the NCAA transfer portal.
    • Downs helped lead Alabama to an SEC Championship Game win and College Football Playoff appearance, posting a team-high 107 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
    • Gary Downs, Caleb's father, said that he didn't come to this decision lightly and attended a team meeting run by new head coach Kalen DeBoer. He also mentioned that every coach he built a relationship with left Alabama.
    • Downs wants to make a decision on where to transfer wrapped up in the next 48 hours.
    • Georgia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State were the other finalists when Downs went through his process as a high schooler. Gary said they know so many of these coaches already and have been to many places.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Gary Downs said something without providing any evidence or context for the statement. Additionally, there are multiple instances where the author quotes people who did not say what was attributed to them in a direct manner, which is also considered an informal fallacy.
    • The elder Downs said that his son would like to have his decision on where to transfer wrapped up in the next 48 hours. Now that he’s officially in the portal, college coaches are able to contact him and come visit him as well.
  • Bias (85%)
    The author of the article is Steve Wiltfong and he has a clear bias towards Georgia as it was one of the finalists when Downs went through his process as a high schooler. The author also mentions that Gary Downs would like to have his decision on where to transfer wrapped up in the next 48 hours, which could be interpreted as an attempt to influence readers' opinions or decisions.
    • Gary Downs would like to have his decision on where to transfer wrapped up in the next 48 hours
      • Georgia was one of the finalists when Downs went through his process as a high schooler
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      60%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Star Alabama safety Caleb Downs enters transfer portal

      ESPN Pete Thamel Thursday, 18 January 2024 10:44
      • Unique Points
        • Caleb Downs received numerous freshman All-America honors and also received second-team All-America honors for all players from The Associated Press.
        • Downs helped lead Alabama to an SEC Championship Game win and College Football Playoff appearance, posting a team-high 107 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
      • Accuracy
        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
      • Deception (30%)
        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author Pete Thamel claims that Caleb Downs has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal when there is no evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the author quotes Nick Saban as describing Downs' talent and ceiling for a freshman without disclosing any sources or providing context on why he was chosen to be quoted. Thirdly, the article contains sensationalism by stating that Caleb Downs is one of the most talented and coveted players to enter the transfer portal this season.
        • The author claims that Caleb Downs has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal without providing any evidence or sources. This statement is a lie by omission.
      • Fallacies (70%)
        The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by quoting Nick Saban's praise for Caleb Downs and his maturity. This is not a logical fallacy as it is simply the opinion of someone who has seen him play, but it does demonstrate that the author relies on external sources rather than providing their own analysis or evidence. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by describing Downs as one of the most talented and coveted players to enter the transfer portal this season. This is not a logical fallacy, but it does show that the author has an emotional attachment to Downs' talent and potential success in football.
        • Nick Saban had been unusually effusive in describing Downs' talent and ceiling for a freshman. On his radio show this season, Saban said of Downs: "I think what impresses me most about Caleb Downs is his maturity."
        • The article contains inflammatory rhetoric by describing Downs as one of the most talented and coveted players to enter the transfer portal this season.
      • Bias (85%)
        The article contains multiple examples of bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes white supremacists and portrays them as celebrating a reference to racist conspiracy theories. Additionally, the author describes Caleb Downs' performance in terms of his ability to lead the team in tackles and receive numerous awards for his play, which could be seen as promoting individualism over teamwork.
        • Alabama safety Caleb Downs becomes the first known freshman to lead the team in tackles, according to his school bio. He earned first-team All-SEC honors and was the SEC's Newcomer of the Year.
          • Caleb Downs finished fourth in the SEC in tackles with 107 and had a hand in four turnovers with a forced fumble, a recovered fumble and two interceptions. He also returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown.
            • Caleb Downs throws up peace sign as he returns punt for 85-yard TD (1:14) Alabama
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              Pete Thamel has a conflict of interest on the topic of Caleb Downs entering the transfer portal as ESPN is owned by Disney which also owns SEC Network. Additionally, Pete Thamel's personal relationship with Nick Saban and his coverage of Alabama football team may influence his reporting.
              • ESPN is owned by Disney which also owns SEC Network.
                • Pete Thamel has a conflict of interest on the topic of Caleb Downs entering the transfer portal as ESPN is owned by Disney which also owns SEC Network. Additionally, Pete Thamel's personal relationship with Nick Saban and his coverage of Alabama football team may influence his reporting.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  Pete Thamel has a conflict of interest on the topic of Caleb Downs entering the transfer portal as he is an ESPN reporter covering college football and Alabama football team.

                  53%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  Washington transfer DB expected to visit Alabama

                  247 Sports Brett Greenberg Thursday, 18 January 2024 10:47
                  • Unique Points
                    • Jabbar Muhammad is the No. 4 cornerback in the Transfer Portal Rankings
                    • Alabama has had seven defensive backs transfer out since Saban retired as head coach
                    • The four linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs are part of a new 4-2-5 defense scheme at Alabama
                  • Accuracy
                    • Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer will have an opportunity to bring one of his best playmaking defenders over from Washington to Alabama.
                    • Caleb Downs is expected to enter the transfer portal and leave a void in the team's 2024 secondary
                  • Deception (30%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Caleb Downs is expected to enter the transfer portal when there is no evidence of this anywhere in the article. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by describing Downs' departure as a 'monster void' and a 'gut-punch', which are exaggerated statements. Thirdly, the author selectively reports on only four defensive backs who have left Alabama since Saban retired when there were actually seven in total.
                    • The sentence
                  • Fallacies (70%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Caleb Downs is expected to enter the transfer portal without providing any evidence or sources for this claim. Secondly, there are multiple instances of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as 'Alabama suffered its biggest post-Nick Saban gut-punch' and 'Downs becomes Alabama's 24th scholarship player to enter the portal since it initially opened in December'. Thirdly, there is a dichotomous depiction of Caleb Downs being an All-American true freshman safety on one hand and leaving a monster void in Alabama's secondary on the other. Lastly, there are several instances where statements from anyone else other than Brett Greenberg are used without providing any context or evidence for their relevance to the article.
                    • Caleb Downs is expected to enter the transfer portal
                    • Alabama suffered its biggest post-Nick Saban gut-punch
                    • Downs becomes Alabama's 24th scholarship player to enter the portal since it initially opened in December
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The author is biased towards the idea that Alabama will have a void in their secondary due to Caleb Downs transferring. The author also implies that this is not surprising because Saban's area of expertise was defense and he has had several defensive back transfers before. Additionally, the author uses language like 'monster void' which could be seen as exaggerated.
                    • Alabama suffered its biggest post-Nick Saban gut-punch on Wednesday, with Caleb Downs, the All-American true freshman safety, expected to enter the transfer portal.
                      • Jabbar Muhammad is the No. 4 cornerback in the 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings
                        • Traditionally, the five defensive backs are two corners and three safeties. The problem for Alabama is that seven of their 24 scholarship transfers have been defensive backs: the four aforementioned, plus Kristian Story, Earl Little Jr., and Jake Pope, all safeties.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          Brett Greenberg has a conflict of interest on the topic of Washington transfer DB visiting Alabama as he is an employee of 247Sports which owns and operates the Transfer Portal Rankings.
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                            The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses several players and teams that are relevant to Alabama football, including Washington transfer DB Kalen DeBoer and Jabbar Muhammad. Additionally, the article mentions Caleb Downs who is a former player for Alabama's rival Auburn University.
                            • The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided.

                            67%

                            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                            Alabama safety, Freshman All-American Caleb Downs enters transfer portal

                            Yahoo Sports Brody Smoot Thursday, 18 January 2024 10:50
                            • Unique Points
                              • . Freshman All-American safety Caleb Downs is planning on entering the transfer portal.
                              • . In one season, Downs led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles. He also recorded one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions.
                              • Downs wants to make a decision on where to transfer wrapped up in the next 48 hours.
                            • Accuracy
                              • . Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest news regarding the Alabama football program and its players that have entered the NCAA transfer portal.
                            • Deception (30%)
                              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Caleb Downs led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles when in fact he was second behind Malachi Moore who had 125 tackles. Secondly, the author states that Downs recorded one forced fumble and one fumble recovery but fails to mention his two interceptions which were also significant contributions to Alabama's defense. Thirdly, the article implies that Caleb Downs is planning on entering the transfer portal when in fact it was reported by On3Sports. The author should have cited their source for this information and not presented it as if they had exclusive knowledge of Downs' intentions.
                              • The sentence 'Caleb Downs is planning on entering the transfer portal,' implies that he has made a decision when in fact On3Sports reported this information.
                              • The sentence 'Downs recorded one forced fumble and one fumble recovery' is incomplete as it does not mention his two interceptions which were also significant contributions to Alabama's defense.
                              • The sentence 'Caleb Downs led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles.' is deceptive because he was second behind Malachi Moore who had 125 tackles.
                            • Fallacies (75%)
                              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that Caleb Downs is a Freshman All-American. This statement implies that he has been recognized as one of the best players in his position and therefore should be trusted without question. However, this does not necessarily mean that everything he says or does is accurate or reliable.
                              • The article states that Caleb Downs led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles.
                            • Bias (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                              Brody Smoot has a conflict of interest on the topic of Alabama football roster as he is reporting for Yahoo Sports which covers Georgia (football team) and Travaris Robinson who played at both universities.

                              68%

                              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                              Alabama star safety Caleb Downs set to enter transfer portal

                              Collegesportswire.usatoday.com Jackson Reyes Wednesday, 17 January 2024 15:35
                              • Unique Points
                                • ,Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year in his first season with Alabama.
                                • He earned first-team All-SEC honors and first-team All-American honors from Pro Football Focus.
                                • The safety led his team in tackles as a freshman.
                                • Downs totaled 107 tackles with 3.5 TFLs, 5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble last season.
                              • Accuracy
                                • Alabama star safety Caleb Downs is starting the process of entering the NCAA Transfer Portal.
                                • Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year in his first season with Alabama.
                                • (1)
                                • (2)
                                • (3)
                              • Deception (30%)
                                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Downs became one of the best safeties in the nation despite not providing any evidence to support this claim. Secondly, they mention his awards without linking them to their respective sources which makes it difficult for readers to verify these claims. Thirdly, they use sensationalism by stating that Downs is a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft without providing any context or information about what makes him such a highly sought after player.
                                • The article mentions several awards won by Caleb Downs without linking them to their respective sources which makes it difficult for readers to verify these claims.
                                • The author uses sensationalism by stating that Caleb Downs is a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they do not provide any context or information about what makes him such a highly sought after player.
                                • The author claims that Caleb Downs became one of the best safeties in the nation, but they do not provide any evidence to support this claim.
                              • Fallacies (85%)
                                The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by citing ESPN as a source for information about Caleb Downs entering the transfer portal. Secondly, there is inflammatory rhetoric used in describing Downs' decision to enter the transfer portal as 'looms'. Thirdly, there are several dichotomous depictions of Alabama players who have entered the transfer portal following Saban's retirement and those who have not. Lastly, there is a statement made by Dezz Ricks that is quoted in the article which could be considered an appeal to authority.
                                • ESPN’s Pete Thamel
                                • looms as a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
                                • Dezz Ricks, a former top defensive back recruit from the same recruiting class as Downs committed to Texas A&M, and wide receiver Isaiah Bond recently committed to Texas.
                                • 'Alabama’s new head coach Kalen DeBoer was named the successor to Saban on Jan. 12.'
                              • Bias (85%)
                                The author uses language that dehumanizes the players who have entered the transfer portal by referring to them as 'several other Alabama players'. This is an example of monetary bias. The author also mentions Dezz Ricks and Isaiah Bond's commitment to Texas A&M, which could be seen as a form of religious bias since they are both Catholic schools.
                                • The author mentions Dezz Ricks and Isaiah Bond's commitment to Texas A&M, which could be seen as a form of religious bias since they are both Catholic schools.
                                  • The author uses language that dehumanizes the players who have entered the transfer portal by referring to them as 'several other Alabama players'.
                                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    Jackson Reyes has a conflict of interest on the topic of Caleb Downs transferring to Texas A&M as he is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan and writes for CollegeSportsWire which covers SEC football.
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      Jackson Reyes has a conflict of interest on the topic of Caleb Downs transferring to Texas A&M as he is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan and writes for ESPN which covers SEC football.