Five-Star Transfer Devin Brown Commits to Weber State, Eyes Starting Job

Devin Brown, once one of the nation’s most heralded high-school prospects, has chosen Weber State to finish his collegiate career and will arrive with a clear mandate to compete for the starting job in 2026. The move shifts a five-star pedigree from the FBS spotlight to the FCS level and underscores how playing opportunity and personal fit are reshaping transfer decisions in the portal era.

Brown began his college career at Ohio State, where early promise met the reality of shared reps in the 2024 season. Seeking more consistent playing time, he transferred to Cal for the 2025 season and served as the backup to a freshman starter, adding practice-room reps and limited game film but not the volume many expected when he first arrived on campus. Now Brown is heading to Weber State to finish his eligibility, pairing with coach Eric Kjar in what will also be a reunion with a familiar high-school connection.

From a performance perspective, Brown’s profile is a mix of high ceiling and unfinished business. His recruiting resume remains elite; as a former five-star, he brings measurables, arm talent, and a recruitability that can lift a program’s profile. The counterweight is a relatively light collegiate in-game track record. For Weber State, that combination is a calculated bet: coaches will evaluate his tape, rep counts in spring practice, and how quickly his timing with a new system develops. The immediate question is whether Brown’s development trajectory and competitive experience are enough to translate into a starter’s role in the Big Sky.

The signing also reflects broader industry trends. The transfer portal has accelerated movement between divisions, and FCS programs are increasingly attractive landing spots for high-profile athletes seeking playing time, leadership opportunities, or a reset. For programs like Weber State, landing a name with top-tier recruiting pedigree changes recruiting conversations, boosts media attention, and can catalyze additional portal pickups. For players, the FCS route offers a chance to be the focal point of an offense and to showcase skills for pro scouts without the depth-chart logjam at some FBS powers.

Culturally, Brown’s decision highlights athlete agency in the modern college football landscape. It underscores a shift away from the default path of staying at a blue-blood program and toward strategic moves that prioritize development and visibility. It also amplifies how relationships matter; reuniting with a coach from his high-school days suggests that trust and familiarity can outweigh other considerations.

What comes next is immediate: Brown will enter Weber State’s offseason program and spring ball, where camp reps and early installs will determine how quickly he can challenge for the starting role. For Weber State and the Big Sky, his arrival will be one of the offseason storylines to watch, a test case in how pedigree, fit, and opportunity intersect in the portal era.