COLUMBUS, Ohio — Devin Brown can thank the switch portal for his first profession begin at quarterback for Ohio State, arising in opposition to Missouri within the Cotton Bowl.

Brown, the backup this season, was named the starter kind of by attrition when Kyle McCord determined to switch. Now Brown has an opportunity to indicate coach Ryan Day that it ought to have been him all alongside.

McCord, the third-year participant who beat Brown in a decent preseason competitors for the beginning job, entered the portal early this month whereas nonetheless being trashed on social media as a scapegoat for Ohio State’s loss to Michigan. McCord introduced on Dec. 17 he had signed with Syracuse.

Meaning Brown will get an early audition to be the 2024 starter when the No. 7 Buckeyes (11-1) face No. 9 Missouri (10-2) within the Cotton Bowl on Friday evening.

“I imply, it’s going to be a popping out get together, and it’s a great alternative for me to indicate what I can do on this recreation,” Brown mentioned. The 20-year-old from Arizona mentioned he has no intention of transferring, no matter how he performs within the bowl recreation.

Brown, in his second 12 months at Ohio State, received on the sphere solely sparingly this season. He was final seen when he got here on because the ball-carrier in a goal-line package deal in opposition to Penn State on Oct. 21 and left with a sprained proper ankle.

Brown will probably be face one other quarterback competitors in spring observe in opposition to Lincoln Kienholz, one of many prime quarterback prospects within the 2023 class, and five-star prospect Air Noland, a left-hander from Georgia, was one of many prizes of Day’s 2024 recruiting class.

Day additionally has the choice of buying within the switch portal for a extra skilled quarterback.

“Devin was actual shut going into the season, so that is going to be an superior alternative for him to take it and run,” Day mentioned. “I’m excited to see that. Additionally Lincoln and Air, these are proficient younger males who need to get on the sphere.”

Key gamers from among the many 14 Buckeyes who entered the portal additionally included working again Chip Trayanum (left for Kentucky) and receiver Julian Fleming, who was overshadowed by All-American wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., and NFL prospect Emeka Egbuka.

When McCord introduced Dec. 4 he was transferring, it took most of his teammates abruptly – together with Brown.

McCord had an excellent 12 months by the requirements of most quarterbacks, throwing for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns. However two of his six interceptions got here within the 30-24 loss to Michigan, together with his final throw with beneath a minute left as Ohio State was driving to tie the sport.

Shedding to Michigan is almost unforgivable in Columbus. Ask two-time Heisman finalist C.J. Stroud, now an NFL star. He was on the unsuitable finish of two Michigan blowouts.

If the common sideline exchanges through the season between a sheepish McCord and the amped-up head coach have been any indication, there have been points earlier than the Michigan recreation.

“I actually felt dangerous for him,” mentioned McCord‘s pal Jack Sawyer, an Ohio State defensive finish. “And I don’t assume it was truthful. I perceive that at Ohio State, the quarterback’s anticipated to win video games. And I don’t assume in any respect it was his fault that we misplaced that recreation in Ann Arbor.”

Brown noticed it, too.

“Kyle went by lots,” Brown mentioned. “And I really feel for the man. There have been lots of robust moments.”

At a information convention final Wednesday, Day declined to speak in regards to the circumstances of McCord‘s departure, saying “I don’t assume it serves anyone any good.”

Requested if receiver Harrison and working again TreVeyon Henderson have been going to play within the bowl recreation, Day mentioned that “they’ve been on the market” at observe.

Harrison, the two-time unanimous All-American and Heisman finalist, and rushing-leader Henderson are anticipated to enter the NFL draft, though neither has made an announcement.

No matter who’s on the sphere for Ohio State, Brown is able to show himself.