Rick Devens has built a compelling case to win Big Brother 28. Because his game has combined competitive strength, strategic aggression, loyalty and an ability to protect his closest allies when they needed him most.

From the opening weeks, Devens established himself as a major force. Still, he also avoided becoming the obvious target despite repeatedly making moves that could have put a spotlight on him.

His closest and most important ally throughout the season has been fellow Survivor player Dee Valladares. The two formed a strong Final Two-style partnership and repeatedly worked together to protect each other and control the direction of the game.

Rick Devens

Rick Devens Makes Connections

Devens was also connected to the Toolshed and later the Crossover Alliance, while maintaining important relationships with players such as Angela Murray and Drew Campbell. His loyalty to his closest allies was demonstrated through his actions rather than simply his words.

In Week 2, after winning the Power of Veto, Devens used it to remove Lyric Medeiros from the block, completing the backdoor plan against Rome. Later, when Dee was in serious danger of eviction, Devens unleashed his secret Diamond Power of Veto, removing her from the block and naming Kamu Kirk as the replacement nominee. That move not only saved Dee but also sent one of their former allies home.

Wins When Needed

His competition record has been another major part of his game. Devens won the Week 2 Head of Household competition and followed it by winning the Power of Veto, giving him back-to-back victories and complete control over that week’s nominations. He later repeatedly saved himself through BB Block Buster victories and won another crucial Power of Veto during the double eviction. That victory prevented Melody from getting her preferred result when she nominated both Devens and Dee.

Perhaps the biggest argument for Devens is the way he has used power not simply for personal safety but to improve the position of his allies.

His Diamond Power of Veto play is the clearest example. Rather than sitting back and hoping Dee survived, he took control of the nomination ceremony and personally changed the game. He also helped flip votes when he and Dee decided that their original allies were becoming too dangerous, demonstrating that he was willing to make difficult decisions before someone else could make them against him.

Ultimately, Devens’ case rests on winning when necessary, protecting his people, creating strategic chaos and surviving the consequences of his own big moves. He has played aggressively without becoming universally targeted, and even his former opponents have praised his abilities.

Yash Patel described Devens as a “tactician” and praised his competitive ability, social skills and persuasive game. If the jury rewards a player who consistently influenced the game while protecting his closest allies, Devens has a résumé that gives him a strong argument for the title.