Downs was born on August 12, 2001, in Suwanee, Georgia, and attended North Gwinnett High School.
[4][5] In the season-opening loss against Virginia Tech, Downs caught eight passes for 123 yards and a touchdown as the Tar Heels failed to mount a successful second half comeback.
[6] Two weeks later against Virginia, he caught eight passes for 203 receiving yards and two touchdowns, setting a career high in the process.
[7] Downs' 203 receiving yards against the Cavaliers were the eighth most in a single game in Tar Heel history.
He returned against Notre Dame, and caught five passes for 32 yards and two touchdowns in the Tar Heels' 45–32 loss.
He declared for the NFL draft following conference championship week, opting out of the Holiday Bowl in the process.
[20][21] Downs' father, Gary, played college football for NC State and is now an assistant coach.
[23] His younger brother, Caleb, is a safety who played his freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State.