Ohio State’s backup quarterback announces a transfer decision hours after winning the national championship


Devin Brown now wants to be the top man.

The Ohio State quarterback backed up Will Howard this season, and on Monday night he was on the sidelines during the Buckeyes’ national title celebration.

Earlier Tuesday, Brown announced he would transfer to Cal.

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Devin Brown

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown (33) looks to pass in the second half at Spartan Stadium. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Brown entered the transfer portal in December but remained with the Buckeyes during their run to the national championship that ended with a victory over Notre Dame on Monday evening.

It was a tumultuous period with the Buckeyes as Brown was the backup to not one, but two QBs in as many seasons. Brown lost a close competition to Kyle McCord in 2023 and was once again relegated to the backseat when the Buckeyes brought in Kansas State transfer Will Howard for 2024.

In his only start for the Buckeyes, which came in the 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic, Brown left the game with an injury. He played in nine games this season, with most of his action coming in garbage time.

Will Howard and Devin Brown

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown, left, and quarterback Will Howard walk off the field as the team arrives for the College Football Playoff national championship against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Jan. 20, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

OHIO STATE FANS ENTER OHIO STADIUM TO CELEBRATE 1ST NATIONAL TITLE SINCE 2014

Brown is expected to compete with freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele for the starting job at Cal. Brown has two years of eligibility remaining.

Howard earned Offensive MVP honors Monday night by going 17-for-21 through the air for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Howard’s time with the Buckeyes is up, but former five-star recruit Julian Sayin is expected to start in 2025, which may have pushed Brown into the portal.

Devin Brown throws

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown (33) throws a pass during the second half of a game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network)

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Cal went 6-7 in his first season in the ACC. Brown was ranked No. 81 on ESPN’s Top 300 recruits for the class of 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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