Brown grew up in Gilbert, Arizona and initially attended Queen Creek High School, where he was coached by former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Joe Germaine.

[5] Brown was initially rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at USC during his junior year.

[10] Brown initially competed with Kyle McCord to succeed C. J. Stroud as Ohio State's starting quarterback during spring practices before suffering a finger injury that required surgery.

[12] McCord was named the starter for the Buckeyes' season opener, although head coach Ryan Day stated that the competition was still ongoing.

[14] Brown started in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, completing four of his six pass attempts for just 20 yards, but suffered an ankle injury in the first half on a sack.