Drew Campbell learned he probably would have won “Big Brother 28” if he had reached the final two.
The 22-year-old surgical dental assistant from Kentucky, who finished third on the CBS reality show, said in an exclusive interview that the six other jurors informed him at the live finale that a matchup against runner-up Taylor Brown, 27, “might have gone well for me.”
“Which is kind of heartbreaking that I was that close,” Campbell said. “But you know, it is what it is.”
Campbell placed the blame squarely on himself for falling short of the final two. “That’s kind of where my strategy went wrong. I should have just won it,” he admitted. “Then maybe I would have won the whole thing.”
The dental assistant appeared destined for the finale throughout the latter stages of the game. Both Brown, an elementary school counselor, and eventual winner Rick Devens, 42, had planned to take Campbell to the end. But after Devens and Brown struck a deal, the “Survivor” alum — who won the final Head of Household competition — shocked viewers and houseguests alike by evicting Campbell and choosing Brown instead. Devens went on to claim the $750,000 grand prize with six of seven jury votes, including Campbell’s.
Campbell confirmed he never considered awarding his jury vote to Brown, regardless of how the final eviction played out. “Devens played the best game. If I cut him, I still think he was the best player and he should have won the game. So he was getting my vote no matter what,” he explained. “And it’s not even because I love him, it’s just because he played a really good game. I can’t even be mad.”
The emotional sting of Devens’ betrayal lingered for Campbell, who had formed a close bond with the 42-year-old throughout their 87 days in the house. “Definitely hurt in the moment,” Campbell said, noting his “‘Big Brother’ dad just cut me right at the end.”
Despite the disappointment, Campbell expressed gratitude for the full season experience. “I got to play ‘Big Brother’ for 87 days,” he noted. “I got to be there the whole time. I got the full experience. Mentally, I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
The pair have not spoken since the finale beyond a brief exchange amid the celebration. “Right after the confetti, he hugged me and said he was sorry and he loves me, and I love him too,” Campbell shared. “No hard feelings, honestly.”
Campbell also extended warm feelings toward Devens’ family, saying, “I’m excited to talk to Miss Becca, Jack and Juju, his family. I feel like I’m part of it now. I am their big brother.'”
The dramatic final eviction unfolded when Devens, after securing the last Head of Household power, broke his word to Campbell and sealed the dental assistant’s fate with a surprise ouster that paved the way for his own dominant victory.
Campbell will join his fellow cast members for the “Big Brother 28” wrap party and reunion events in Los Angeles.