Out of a starting job, Max Browne is likely moving on from USC upon the completion of the 2016 season. Probably.
After starting the first three games as USC’s quarterback, Browne was benched in favor of Sam Darnold. Since then, the redshirt freshman solidified his hold on the job and his performance has signaled that he’s the Trojans quarterback of the future, at least for the time being.
While most have assumed that Browne, who has one year of eligibility remaining and has already graduated, will transfer in the next couple of months, the redshirt junior, at least publicly, hasn’t broached the subject. That changed Wednesday as Browne was asked about his future following practice, and, while he tap-danced around the topic and never uttered the word “transfer,” heavily intimated that this season will be his last in the Land of Troy.
“I want to play,” Browne said according to the Los Angeles Daily News. “I had an opportunity to. I wish it had worked out better. I don’t know. I’ll just leave it at that. ...
“We’re at the halfway point of the season, I don’t really have a plan necessarily. I’m sure I’ll dive into it with each passing week.”
Clay Helton said he will “sit down with [Browne] after the season” to discuss what if any future the player has with the program.
“I’m so appreciative of him,” the head coach added.
As a graduate, Browne could transfer to another FBS program and use his final season of eligibility immediately in 2017. The Daily News mentions Cal as a possibility, given the success of Texas Tech transfer Davis Webb. Should he ultimately pull the trigger on a move, the usual suspects, including Power Fives such as Florida, Michigan State, Nebraska and Texas A&M, will likely be bandied about as possibilities.
The last two seasons as Cody Kessler’s primary backup, Browne completed 11-of-19 passes for 143 yards. As a recruit, Browne was 247Sports.com’s top-rated pro-style passer in the Class of 2013.