Ohio State Backup QB Devin Brown Transfers to Cal After National Championship Victory
Devin Brown, the backup quarterback for Ohio State, has announced his decision to transfer to the University of California (Cal) following the Buckeyes’ national championship win. After helping secure the title with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff, Brown confirmed his departure from Ohio State, marking the end of his time with the Buckeyes.
While Brown had entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 9, he chose to remain with Ohio State for the duration of their playoff run, honoring his commitment despite already planning his next move. His decision to transfer is motivated by a desire for a starting role, having spent the 2023 season backing up quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Will Howard, and now looking for an opportunity to lead a team.
Over the course of his career at Ohio State, Brown appeared in 15 games. He completed 27 of 48 pass attempts, amassing 331 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. Additionally, he contributed on the ground with 30 rushing attempts, gaining 37 yards and scoring a touchdown. Despite his limited playing time behind McCord and Howard, Brown showed flashes of his potential, showcasing versatility as both a passer and a runner.
Brown’s decision to transfer comes after a solid career as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022, where he was ranked as the 43rd overall player and the 6th best quarterback according to 247Sports composite rankings. His pedigree and skill set make him an enticing option for Cal, especially after the departure of their starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana. This move presents Brown with an opportunity to step into the starting role at Cal, where he will aim to make an immediate impact.
Ohio State, meanwhile, faces significant changes in its quarterback room following the departure of key players. In addition to Brown’s transfer, the Buckeyes also lose graduate transfer Will Howard, who was brought in from Kansas State, and freshman backup Air Noland, who has transferred to South Carolina. As the team navigates these departures, the quarterback competition will intensify, with several promising talents vying for the position.
Julian Sayin, a former Alabama transfer, is entering his redshirt freshman season at Ohio State, and Lincoln Kienholz, a quarterback who will be in his third year with the program, is also expected to compete for playing time. Furthermore, the Buckeyes have signed highly touted five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair, adding more depth and competition to the quarterback position in 2024.
As Brown looks ahead to a new chapter at Cal, Ohio State is gearing up for a transition period under center, with a mix of new and experienced quarterbacks all hoping to fill the shoes of those who have moved on. The evolving landscape of college football continues to emphasize the importance of quarterback development, with players like Brown seeking opportunities to prove themselves as the next leaders of their respective programs.
Devin Brown
