Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown is heading West.
Hours after the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday night, ESPN’s Max Olson reported that Brown is transferring to Cal.
Brown had previously announced his intentions to transfer from Ohio State following the 2024 season, but opted to remain a part of the Buckeyes program throughout the team’s run in the College Football Playoff.
Originally ranked as a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, Brown received limited playing time in his three seasons in Columbus. After redshirting in 2022, he backed up Kyle McCord in 2023 before serving as Will Howard’s primary backup throughout the Buckeyes’ national championship-winning season in 2024.
Over the course of three seasons in Columbus, the Utah native completed 27 of his 48 pass attempts for 331 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, adding 37 yards and one touchdown on 30 attempts on the ground.
In heading to Berkeley, Brown will have two years of eligibility remaining. He’ll presumably compete for the right to be the Bears’ starting quarterback in 2025.
After the news of Brown’s decision to transfer to Cal was first made public on Tuesday morning, many took to social media to weigh in.
I question his ability to throw the ball reliably, but he’s a battering ram and a good team guy. Good luck, champ https://t.co/mqUchweIL0
— lukezim (@lukezim) January 21, 2025
I hope Devin does great things https://t.co/5T9Omnbqxd
— Nick Fink (@finkn23) January 21, 2025
Good luck Devin! https://t.co/tQQfFqpqUI
— Tom Lovsey (@TLuv_66) January 21, 2025
Devin lost the job to Kyle McCord in 2023 and stuck around. He was out in a really tough spot in the Cotton Bowl. Will Howard showed up. Stuck around. Stuck around in August. Stuck around for the playoff. Nothing but the best, kid leaves Columbus a champion. https://t.co/EbkXlNpiQH
— Tim – One More. Then Forever (@Sole0526) January 21, 2025
Love it. Hope he balls out for real man https://t.co/M4KevGyLtk
— Ohio State: CHAMPIONS!!! (@iSig_CinQo) January 21, 2025
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.