Former Ohio State elite recruit entering key make-or-break season after transferring

The Ohio State Buckeyes held a quarterback competition last year and are in the midst of another, less certain one this summer. Despite the window opening for a new star to emerge after Kyle McCord and Will Howard started one year each, former four-star passer Devin Brown opted to start the next chapter of his career at Cal in the winter.

After the Buckeyes won the National Championship, Ryan Day's top backup quarterback bolted. It's hard to blame him after he attempted only 48 passes over three seasons with the program. He could see the writing on the wall he'd have an uphill climb to win the starting job.

The Buckeyes are watching former five-star addition Julian Sayin and athletic dual-threat Lincoln Kienholz battle it out now. Brown would've had a chance to win the job and had the experience advantage, but his snaps were unimpressive.

Mark Pszonak of Mike Farrell Sports went so far as to say it's now or never for the former top recruit.

One of the top Class of 2022 quarterbacks, Brown redshirted as a true freshman before sitting behind Kyle McCord in 2023 and then backing up Will Howard in 2024. He passed for 331 yards, three touchdowns and one interception during his time with the Buckeyes, which included a start in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at the end of the 2023 season. He arrives at Cal, where he is competing for the starting job with true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.

Completing only 27 of his 48 attempts for 331 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, Brown is a raw prospect despite the ranking. He added only 37 rushing yards and one score on 30 attempts.

It's not often Ryan Day misses on a quarterback, so it's possible Brown will benefit from a different situation. He has a tough task in replacing possible 2026 QB1, Fernando Mendoza. 

Mendoza bolted Cal to join Indiana this past transfer window.