Former Five-Star Devin Brown Leaves Cal, Commits to Weber State 2026

Devin Brown, a once top-ranked recruit who took roster detours through Ohio State and Cal, committed to Weber State on January 16, 2026, electing to use his final year of eligibility at the FCS level in search of on-field opportunities. The move closes a chapter at Cal where Brown spent the 2025 season as a backup with limited game snaps, and opens a high-profile swing for a Weber State program looking to add experience and recruiting cachet to its quarterback room.

Brown arrives at Weber State with pedigree that still carries weight across college football. A five-star recruit out of high school, he first landed at Ohio State before transferring to Cal. Those stops exposed him to Power Five coaching staffs, NFL-caliber practice reps, and high-level development environments. Despite that background, the 2025 season did not produce significant game film, and with one year of eligibility remaining Brown chose to prioritize playing time over staying in a crowded FBS depth chart.

For Weber State, this is a strategic pickup. Adding a one-time elite recruit who has trained in two major programs can accelerate a team's readiness at the signal-caller spot. Brown’s presence immediately intensifies competition for the starting job and forces incumbent quarterbacks to sharpen their game against a player with top-tier recruiting experience. Beyond the Xs and Os, his arrival could elevate the program’s profile in recruiting and media cycles, drawing attention to spring practices and fall camp as fans and evaluators watch how quickly Brown adapts to FCS game speed and scheme.

This commitment also reflects a broader transfer-portal ecosystem where playing time and fit often trump program prestige. FBS-to-FCS moves have become a viable route for players with eligibility left to reset their trajectory, showcase skills in meaningful snaps, and position themselves for professional opportunities or additional transfers. For Weber State, the calculus is simple: acquire a talented player who can make an immediate impact and potentially lift team expectations for 2026.

On the field, Brown’s challenge is straightforward. He must translate practice reps into consistent decision-making, command an offense, and show the game management that winning at the FCS level requires. For Weber State coaches, integrating Brown will mean building rapport with receivers, installing a playbook that plays to his strengths, and managing the competitive balance in the QB room.

This move matters to fans because it changes the quarterback narrative for Weber State and adds an intriguing storyline to the 2026 FCS season. Expect Brown to be a focal point of spring drills and preseason conversations as he vies to turn a career of preparation into the playing time he sought when he left Cal.