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Devin Brown Appears to Be Starting In Cotton Bowl For Ohio State

Originally posted on FanNation Buckeyes Now
By Matt Galatzan | Last updated 12/12/23

The question about who the Ohio State Buckeyes starting quarterback in the Cotton Bowl vs. the Missouri Tigers may have just inadvertently been answered.

During the Tuesday media availability, Devin Brown revealed that he will be under center as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback vs. Missouri, taking over for former starter Kyle McCord who recently entered the NCAA Transfer Portal

"I'm excited to go play and finally show what I can do and have fun with this team," Brown said. "I can't believe my first start is going to be in the Cotton Bowl."

Brown, who competed with McCord for the starting job during fall camp, has played in five games, completing 12 of 22 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.

Buckeyes wideout Emeka Egbuka, who announced his intention to play in the Cotton Bowl on Tuesday, is excited to have Brown under center.

"Not knocking Kyle (McCord), but Devin can move around better," Egbuka said. "He has a knack for extending the play when it's broken down... He's a great passer and provides the offense with a lot of energy. He's got a cannon too."

Despite losing the starting job, Ohio State built several packages, including one in the red zone, to provide a second element to the offense and take advantage of Brown's mobility. As a result, Brown rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

Brown was injured earlier in the year while attempting a run near the goal line vs. Penn State in October and has not played since.

The former five-star recruit in the class of 2022 spent his freshman year sitting behind Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and McCord, handling a 1-yard carry against Toledo.

The Gilbert, Arizona, native is now technically the third new starting quarterback Day will have named in his tenure as head coach.

In all likelihood, Brown will be thrown into another competition for the starting job this spring, with Lincoln Keinholz, the incoming Air Noland, and perhaps a transfer addition via the portal.