In the fast-moving world of college football, transfers have become an almost annual event, with players seeking new opportunities and fresh starts to advance their careers. One such move that has caught the attention of many is Ohio State backup quarterback Devin Brown’s decision to sign with the University of California, Berkeley (Cal). Brown, a highly touted quarterback prospect who played behind starter Kyle McCord at Ohio State, has decided to take his talents to the Golden Bears, where he hopes to make an impact as the team’s new leader under center.
This transfer is notable not only because it involves a player from one of college football’s premier programs, but also because it signals a new era for both Brown and the Cal football program. Here, we break down what led to this move, the implications for both Ohio State and Cal, and what to expect from Brown in his next chapter.
Devin Brown’s Journey to Ohio State
Before we dive into the transfer, it’s important to understand Brown’s background and what made him one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits in the 2022 class.
Devin Brown was born and raised in the state of Utah, where he starred at Corner Canyon High School in Draper. A dual-threat quarterback, Brown showed off his arm strength, athleticism, and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. He led his high school team to a state title and established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. His performances earned him numerous accolades, including a spot in the prestigious All-American Bowl, where he competed against other top-tier recruits from across the nation.
Brown’s high school tape was impressive, but it was his combination of physical tools and football IQ that set him apart. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, Brown had the size and athleticism to thrive at the next level. His arm strength and accuracy made him a perfect fit for a spread offense, while his ability to move in the pocket and run when needed made him a dangerous dual-threat weapon.
As his recruitment gained steam, Brown received scholarship offers from some of the top programs in the country. He ultimately chose Ohio State, committing to head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson in 2021. At Ohio State, Brown joined a quarterback room that included top-tier talent, including C.J. Stroud, who would go on to become one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the country and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
While Stroud was the clear starter during Brown’s first season with the Buckeyes, the young quarterback still had the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game. He impressed coaches during practice and was seen as a potential future star at the position. His decision to commit to Ohio State was widely praised, as the Buckeyes were seen as one of the premier programs in college football, and Ryan Day had developed a reputation for developing quarterbacks at an elite level.
The Backup Role at Ohio State
Despite his high school pedigree and potential, Brown was never able to secure the starting role at Ohio State. With Stroud firmly entrenched as the starter in 2022, and with the emergence of Kyle McCord, the QB competition for the 2023 season became even more difficult for Brown. McCord, a former five-star recruit, took over as the starting quarterback for Ohio State after Stroud declared for the NFL draft, leaving Brown to battle for the backup spot.
However, as the 2023 season unfolded, it became clear that McCord was the preferred option, and Brown was relegated to backup duties. While McCord was solid as a first-year starter, leading Ohio State to a successful season, Brown never saw significant playing time behind him, and his potential was largely untapped at the program.
For a player with Brown’s talent and ambition, sitting behind another elite quarterback for another season likely wasn’t in the cards. The competition in Ohio State’s quarterback room is fierce, and it was clear that the path to playing time would be difficult to navigate for Brown, especially with top recruits like 2024 four-star QB Air Noland arriving soon. After a year of waiting for his opportunity, Brown made the decision to look for a fresh start, hoping to find a place where he could earn the starting role and develop his game in a system that suited his skill set.
The Decision to Transfer to Cal
After entering the transfer portal in the winter of 2023, Brown quickly became one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the market. Schools across the country, particularly those looking to add depth or compete for starting quarterback positions, were eager to make a pitch to the talented young signal-caller.
Cal, led by head coach Justin Wilcox, quickly emerged as a top destination for Brown. The Golden Bears, who had been looking to solidify their quarterback position after an up-and-down season in 2023, were in need of a player who could step in and take the reins. Brown’s combination of physical tools and leadership abilities made him an ideal candidate for the job.
California football, while not at the elite level of some of the powerhouses in the Pac-12, has a proud history and a promising future under Wilcox. The program has shown flashes of competitiveness, especially with their strong defenses, but has struggled at times to find consistency on offense. With an influx of talent and the opportunity to be the starting quarterback, Brown will be given the chance to lead the Golden Bears to new heights.
For Brown, the decision to sign with Cal makes a lot of sense. The Golden Bears present a fresh start, a program that could offer him the chance to be the focal point of the offense and develop his game without the pressure of competing against future NFL talent for playing time. The Pac-12, while competitive, is also a conference that has proven to be favorable to quarterbacks who have the ability to make plays both with their arm and legs, an area in which Brown excels.
Additionally, Brown’s ability to step in as a potential starter for a team that needs stability at the quarterback position is a huge opportunity. The Golden Bears have experienced a fair amount of turnover at the quarterback position over the past few years, and a talented and stable presence at the helm could be just what the team needs to compete in a tough Pac-12 conference.
What Cal Gains with Devin Brown
For Cal, landing a quarterback of Devin Brown’s caliber is a game-changing development. The Golden Bears have struggled to find consistent quarterback play over the years, and a player with Brown’s ability can immediately transform the offense. As a dual-threat quarterback, Brown has the capability to make plays with his arm and his legs, which will add a dynamic element to Cal’s offense that they have been missing.
Cal’s offensive scheme, under the direction of offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, is known for being balanced and pro-style, relying heavily on the quarterback’s decision-making and ability to process information quickly. Brown’s intelligence and football IQ will be crucial in this system, and his athleticism will allow him to extend plays when things break down in the pocket. In addition to his on-field abilities, Brown’s leadership and maturity will be an asset to a team that is looking for stability at the quarterback position.
Brown’s presence should also help elevate the overall talent level at Cal. His decision to join the program could be a catalyst for other recruits who are considering their college options, particularly in the quarterback and offensive skill positions. If Brown can help lead Cal to success, it could help the Golden Bears attract more top-tier talent in future recruiting cycles.
What’s Next for Devin Brown?
As he transitions to his new home in Berkeley, Devin Brown faces a new challenge: proving himself as the leader of a college football program. Cal is undoubtedly a different environment from Ohio State, but it offers Brown the chance to showcase his talents on a bigger stage and make a name for himself in the Pac-12. With his ability and a fresh opportunity in front of him, the expectations are high for the young quarterback to succeed.
For Brown, this is a critical juncture in his career. His time at Ohio State, although valuable in terms of development, was marked by limited playing time. At Cal, he now has the chance to carve out his legacy and take control of the starting role. If he can perform at a high level, Brown has the potential to become one of the standout quarterbacks in the Pac-12, setting himself up for a successful college career and possibly even a future at the professional level.
For Cal, the arrival of Devin Brown is a potential turning point for the program. If Brown can live up to the expectations, he could lead the Golden Bears back to competitive prominence and perhaps even challenge for a bowl game in the coming years.
Conclusion
Devin Brown’s decision to transfer to Cal represents a new chapter in his college football journey. After spending a year at Ohio State without significant playing time, Brown is now poised to take on the role of starting quarterback for the Golden Bears, bringing with him a wealth of talent and potential. For Cal, this is a crucial acquisition that could help the program return to relevancy in the Pac-12, while for Brown, it offers the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills on a national stage. The coming seasons will be important for both the player and the program, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how this next chapter unfolds.
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