The Ohio State football program lost Devin Brown from the quarterback room following the national championship. Instead of staying to fight for the starting job, he opted to transfer to California. It was a logical choice, considering he had already lost one QB battle while with the Buckeyes.
Brown lost the 2023 quarterback battle while fighting with Kyle McCord for the starting job. He wasn't able to do better than someone who transferred out and ended up at Syracuse. Still, those around the Ohio State Buckeyes had nothing but good things to say about Brown.
Brown transferred to Cal, expecting to win the starting job after Cal lost their starting QB to Indiana. He was competing with freshman Oregon transfer Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Despite the fact that he has more experience, Brown has somehow lost the battle with Sagapolutele.
Former Ohio State football player Devin Brown loses quarterback battle in embarrassing fashion
When he came to the Buckeyes during the 2022 season, he was a five-star recruit, according to On3. He was considered one of the best quarterback recruits in the country and was seen as a possible starting quarterback of the future. Instead, he warmed the bench for the Buckeyes.
Now at Cal, he will warm the bench for a freshman. It's an embarrassing fall from grace for a player who was expected to be the next great Ohio State quarterback. Unless there is an injury, Brown is likely going to end his college career as a backup, never having taken meaningful snaps.
Brown was hurt very early in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri back in 2023, which was his chance to grab the starting job heading into the 2024 season. Once he hurt his ankle, the writing was on the wall that the Buckeyes would be heading into the Transfer Portal to get a new starter.
Ohio State ended up getting Will Howard, and Howard led the Buckeyes to a national championship. Brown will have one more year of eligibility after this, so he might be on the move after this season ends. He might have to find a MAC school to transfer to if he wants to actually play.
At this point, Brown's future might be out of football. If it is, he might try to become a GA somewhere in order to become a future coach. Playing football doesn't look like it's in the cards for him.