If he can reach the potential that made him a highly regarded recruit, the Golden Bears could have found their quarterback for the future.
In a move that has stunned college football fans across the country, Ohio State
backup quarterback Devin Brown has announced he is transferring to the
University of California. Brown’s decision to leave the prestigious Ohio State
program, where he had been vying for the starting job, marks a significant
shift in his career path, and it’s a move that will have ripple effects throughout
both the Big Ten and the Pac-12 conferences.
A Highly Anticipated Departure.
Devin Brown, a former 4-star recruit, joined Ohio State with high
expectations. Regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation,
he was viewed as a future star for the Buckeyes, and many were eager to see
him compete for the starting job. However, despite his impressive skill set and
potential, Brown had found himself in a battle for the starting spot with Kyle
McCord, another talented quarterback with aspirations of leading Ohio State’s
offense.
Though Brown had flashes of brilliance, including strong performances in
practice and during Ohio State’s spring game, McCord’s experience and
consistency ultimately solidified his hold on the starting role. With the
Buckeyes gearing up for another College Football Playoff push, Brown found
himself relegated to the backup position, a role that many felt limited his
development and future prospects.
The decision to transfer to California allows Brown to escape the shadow of
McCord and pursue the opportunity to start elsewhere. California, a program
that has experienced its share of ups and downs in recent years, will now
benefit from Brown’s talents and high ceiling. For Brown, the transfer
represents a fresh start—one where he can establish himself as a leader and
guide a Pac-12 team that is eager to find its next quarterback.
What Brown Brings to California.
At California, Brown will be joining a program that has seen some instability at
the quarterback position in recent seasons. While the Golden Bears have had
their share of solid quarterbacks in the past, they’ve been searching for the
right signal-caller to bring consistent success to the program. Brown, with his
strong arm, athleticism, and poise in the pocket, is exactly the type of
quarterback that can revitalize California’s offense.
The opportunity to start right away in the Pac-12 is a big one for Brown, and
he’s expected to step in and compete immediately for the starting job. He will
benefit from a program that is in rebuilding mode, but with the right guidance,
the Golden Bears have the tools to surprise in the competitive Pac-12. Brown’s
mobility and ability to make plays with his legs will give him a dynamic edge in
the conference, where athletic quarterbacks are increasingly becoming the
norm.
Brown also brings an air of competitiveness and leadership to the California
locker room. Having gone up against some of the best defensive units in the
country at Ohio State, he enters California with a wealth of experience in high-
pressure environments. His time at a top-tier program like Ohio State will only
enhance his ability to perform in critical moments, a trait that will be
invaluable for a team looking to get back to bowl contention.
What This Means for Ohio State.
For Ohio State, Brown’s departure leaves a gap in their quarterback room,
although the team still has plenty of depth. McCord, who had the upper hand
in the quarterback competition, remains the clear starter, and highly-touted
freshman quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is expected to add more depth as the
Buckeyes look toward the future. While Ohio State fans will be disappointed to
see a talented player like Brown leave, the program’s depth at the position is
more than capable of handling the loss.
Moreover, Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day, has proven
time and again that they can develop quarterbacks to the highest levels. With
McCord set to lead the charge in 2025 and Kienholz potentially in the mix for
the following seasons, the Buckeyes are in a strong position to continue their
championship aspirations.
The Future for Devin Brown.
For Devin Brown, his move to California represents a critical juncture in his
career. The transfer gives him the chance to prove himself as a starting
quarterback on a major college football stage, and with the talent surrounding
him, he has the potential to flourish in a new environment. California will offer
Brown the opportunity to develop further as a player and to lead a program
that is on the rise.
This transfer is also an important moment for college football in general. The
rising trend of players switching schools via the transfer portal is reshaping
how teams build their rosters. Quarterbacks like Brown, who show potential
but may not have an immediate path to starting roles at major programs, are
finding new homes where they can make a real impact. It’s a new era of player
movement, and Brown’s decision highlights the increasing fluidity of college
football careers.
As the 2025 season approaches, eyes will be on Devin Brown and his new
chapter at California. If he can live up to the potential that made him a highly
sought-after recruit, the Golden Bears might just find their quarterback of the
future—and Brown might find the success he’s been seeking since his days in
Ohio.
