Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after three seasons with the Buckeyes. This decision comes ahead of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff matchup against Tennessee and follows a challenging tenure for the former four-star recruit.
Background of Devin Brown’s Career at Ohio State:
- Recruitment and Arrival:
- Brown joined Ohio State in 2022 as a replacement for Quinn Ewers, who had reclassified to the 2021 class and transferred to Texas.
- He came in with high expectations but faced fierce competition in the Buckeyes’ deep quarterback room.
- Battles for the Starting Role:
- 2023 Season: Engaged in a quarterback competition with Kyle McCord that extended into the first two games of the season. McCord eventually secured the starting role.
- Despite losing the starting job, Brown was utilized as a red zone threat due to his athleticism until an ankle injury derailed his contributions.
- Limited Opportunities:
- Brown started the 2023 Cotton Bowl but suffered another ankle injury in a 14-3 loss, missing a key opportunity to prove himself as a future starter.
- In his three seasons, Brown completed 26 of 47 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns while adding 37 rushing yards and one rushing score.
- Addition of Will Howard:
- Ohio State brought in Kansas State transfer Will Howard, who won the starting job for the 2024 season, further complicating Brown’s path to QB1.
- Future Competition:
- The Buckeyes’ 2025 quarterback room includes five-star recruit Julian Sayin (the heavy favorite for QB1), Lincoln Kienholz, Air Noland, and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair.
Why the Transfer Makes Sense:
Brown’s decision to transfer reflects his desire for more playing time, which became increasingly unlikely at Ohio State. With the Buckeyes’ depth at quarterback and the rise of promising young talent, Brown would face an uphill battle to earn significant snaps.
Impact on Ohio State:
Brown is the fourth Buckeye to enter the transfer portal, joining linebacker Gabe Powers and wide receivers Jayden Ballard and Kojo Antwi. Despite this, Ohio State remains well-positioned at quarterback for the 2025 season.
For Brown, the transfer represents a chance to start fresh and find a program where he can showcase his talents as a starting quarterback.