Devin Brown’s college football journey has been anything but conventional - a winding path shaped by high expectations, untimely injuries, and a relentless search for the right fit. Now, the former four-star quarterback is headed to Weber State, an FCS program where he’ll reunite with a familiar face: Eric Kjar, his former high school coach at Corner Canyon in Utah. It’s a full-circle moment for a player still looking to carve out his place on the field.
Brown initially made headlines in December 2024 when he entered the transfer portal during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff prep. The timing raised eyebrows, but the move was about opportunity.
With the Buckeyes' quarterback room stacked and his path to the starting job murky, Brown was seeking a place where he could finally take the reins. That next stop was Cal - but it didn’t go as planned.
Despite arriving in Berkeley with hopes of earning the starting job, Brown found himself behind freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele on the depth chart. Brown appeared in nine games but saw limited action, completing four of seven passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. It was a tough pill to swallow for a player once ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class and a top-50 overall prospect by 247Sports.
Brown’s early promise was evident back in high school. He began his prep career at Queen Creek High School in Arizona, where he was coached by former Ohio State quarterback Joe Germaine. Later, he transferred to Corner Canyon in Utah, where he flourished under Kjar and solidified his status as a top-tier recruit.
When Brown arrived at Ohio State in 2022, he stepped into a quarterback room led by C.J. Stroud and Kyle McCord - a tough spot for any freshman.
That season, he saw the field in just two games, logging only 15 offensive snaps and a single rushing attempt for one yard. No pass attempts, but valuable reps nonetheless.
The following year, Brown began to see more meaningful action. In 2023, he played in six games, completing six of 16 passes for 28 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
His athleticism earned him a role as Ohio State’s red zone quarterback, but an ankle injury derailed that plan. He later started the Cotton Bowl after McCord transferred, only to suffer another ankle injury early in the game against Missouri.
In 2024, Brown served as the primary backup to Will Howard and appeared in nine games. He completed 55 percent of his passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Despite entering the portal when it opened, Brown stayed with the Buckeyes through their postseason run and was part of a national championship-winning squad - a testament to his commitment and team-first mentality.
Now, Brown is heading to Weber State, where the expectations will be different, but the opportunity is clear. Reuniting with Coach Kjar could be the spark he needs to finally unlock the potential that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in his class. At the FCS level, Brown will have a real chance to lead, develop, and - perhaps most importantly - play.
For a player who’s battled through depth chart logjams, injuries, and transfers, this move is about more than just football. It’s about finding the right environment to grow, compete, and finally take center stage. And if there’s anyone who knows how to bring out the best in Devin Brown, it’s the coach who helped launch his rise in the first place.