A former top-tier college quarterback chooses an unconventional path to Weber State
In short: Devin Brown, once a high-profile recruit at Ohio State, has taken a surprising turn in his collegiate career. After navigating intense quarterback competitions and multiple transfers, he recently signed with the FCS program Weber State for a modest $2,000, reuniting with a coach from his high school days.
Born in 2003, Devin Brown emerged as a standout high school talent in Arizona and Utah. His senior year at Corner Canyon High School was particularly prolific, featuring 4,881 passing yards and 57 touchdowns. Initially committed to USC, Brown pivoted to Ohio State following a coaching change. His tenure in Columbus was defined by high-stakes competition, serving as a backup behind established starters like C. J. Stroud and Kyle McCord, and later competing against Will Howard.
Brown’s time at Ohio State was marked by both flashes of potential and physical setbacks. He made his collegiate debut in 2022 and saw action across 17 games over three seasons. His opportunities were often interrupted by injury, including a finger surgery that hampered his 2023 preseason and an ankle injury sustained during his lone start against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Despite being part of a national championship-winning team, he ultimately sought a new environment, transferring to California in 2025.
The most recent chapter of Brown’s journey represents a departure from the typical trajectory of a Power Four quarterback. After a stint at California, he entered the transfer portal again in December 2025. In January 2026, he signed with Weber State, an FCS program. Reports indicate he turned down larger Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers to play for his former high school coach, Eric Kjar. This reunion highlights the personal motivations that can influence athlete decisions in the modern era of college football, prioritizing familiar leadership over the financial incentives of larger programs.
The transition to Weber State brought immediate challenges. Named the starter for the 2026 season opener against Northern Colorado, Brown showed promise by throwing for 179 yards and two touchdowns. However, the game ended prematurely for him due to a dislocated finger. His career remains a study in resilience, reflecting the complex landscape of collegiate athletics where talent, injury, and coaching relationships intersect to shape a player's path.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Devin Brown (American football)
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