Simeon Caldwell isn't your typical high school safety. Most kids his age are still figuring out how to flip their hips without tripping over their own feet, but the Jacksonville native plays with a sort of violent intentionality that makes scouts drool. When he officially signed his Letter of Intent with Ohio State in December 2025, it wasn't just another four-star addition to a bloated roster. It felt like a statement.
He’s a specimen. Honestly, seeing a 6-foot-3, 195-pound teenager who can track down a ball-carrier like a heat-seeking missile is terrifying.
The Buckeyes have been on a tear. By the time the early signing period wrapped up, Ryan Day and his staff had essentially built a defensive backfield that looks like an NFL practice squad. Caldwell is the centerpiece of that "hybrid" philosophy everyone is talking about lately. Is he a safety? A linebacker? A "star" nickel? The answer, basically, is whatever Matt Patricia needs him to be on a Saturday afternoon in the Shoe.
The Walton Connection: More Than Just Family
You can't talk about Simeon Caldwell and Ohio State without mentioning Tim Walton. Yeah, Walton is the secondary coach in Columbus. He’s also Caldwell’s uncle. In the world of high-stakes recruiting, having "Uncle Tim" on the sideline is a massive advantage, but Caldwell has been pretty vocal about the fact that he didn't pick the Buckeyes just for Sunday dinners.
He had options. Big ones. Notre Dame, Miami, and USC were all over him. Miami was the hometown-ish favorite, and Notre Dame usually cleans up with kids who have Caldwell's academic profile. But Ohio State "felt different." That’s a quote you hear a lot, but for a kid from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, leaving the Florida sun for the gray winters of Central Ohio takes a specific kind of "buy-in."
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Walton’s track record with guys like Jalen Ramsey speaks for itself. Caldwell knows that. He isn't just looking for a familiar face; he’s looking for the guy who can turn his 11.02-second 100-meter speed into a first-round draft grade.
Versatility or Confusion?
There’s a debate brewing among recruiting nerds about where Caldwell actually fits. 247Sports has him listed as a linebacker in some spots, but he signed as a safety. He’s "high-cut," which in scout-speak means he’s got long legs and a high waist. Sometimes that makes it tough to change direction in a phone booth.
However, his tape from his junior year at Bolles shows him doing everything. He blocked two field goals. He had 80 tackles and 12 for loss. He even moonlights on the basketball court, averaging nearly 8 points a game. That kind of multi-sport athleticism is exactly what the modern Big Ten demands. You need guys who can cover a slot receiver but also stick a 230-pound running back in the gap.
Why the 2026 Class is Defensive-Heavy
Ohio State’s 2026 haul is ridiculous. Along with Caldwell, they’ve got Blaine Bradford, who many consider the top safety in the country. It’s a bit of an embarrassment of riches.
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Why the sudden surge in defensive back recruiting? Look at the departures. With the NFL beckoning for guys like Caleb Downs after the 2025 season, the Buckeyes needed an immediate infusion of "dogs." Caldwell isn't expected to just sit on the bench and learn for three years. With the transfer portal being what it is—Faheem Delane already signaled he was leaving in early 2026—the path to the field is wide open for a freshman who can hit.
Caldwell is a sure tackler. That sounds like a basic compliment, but it’s rare for high school DBs. Most of them want the highlight-reel interception. Caldwell seems just as happy putting his helmet into someone's chest.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Height/Weight: 6-3 / 195 lbs (and likely growing).
- Rankings: Consensus four-star, top-100 prospect nationally by most metrics.
- Production: 357 career tackles at The Bolles School. That's a lot of contact.
- Speed: Clocked at 11.02 in the 100m.
It’s worth noting that his father, Lawrence Thomas, was a first-round pick for the Steelers. The "NFL bloodlines" thing is real. It usually means a kid understands the professional approach before they even step on campus.
What This Means for the Future
The Buckeyes are moving toward a more complex, NFL-style defensive scheme under Matt Patricia. They want "positionless" players. Caldwell fits that mold perfectly because he’s physically imposing enough to play in the box but fast enough to eliminate the deep ball.
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Honestly, the biggest challenge for him will be the transition from Jacksonville to the Big Ten's physical grind. The Bolles School plays great football, but it’s not the same as taking a lead block from a Penn State tight end.
Still, the consensus is that he’s a "safe" bet. He’s smart, he’s disciplined, and he’s already shut down his recruitment to focus on early enrollment. No drama. No hat-swapping games. Just a kid ready to work.
Your Next Steps for Following the Class
If you're trying to keep track of how this 2026 class shakes out, keep an eye on the Spring Game. That’s usually the first time we see these early enrollees in a live-fire environment. Caldwell is a prime candidate to steal some headlines there.
You should also watch the tape of his teammate, tight end Corbyn Fordham. They both committed to Ohio State from the same high school. That chemistry—having a buddy to go through the grind with—is an underrated factor in why some recruits stick while others hit the portal after six months.
Check the 247Sports rankings again in late summer. As these guys finish their track seasons and senior years, the "star" counts always fluctuate, but Caldwell’s floor is incredibly high. Whether he ends up at safety or linebacker, he's going to be a problem for the rest of the Big Ten.