Max Browne Granted Permission To Seek Transfer From USC Football

Quarterback Max Browne was granted permission to speak to other programs about transferring from USC football this spring with no limitations.

From the beginning, USC’s Max Browne said he would keep his options open when it came to transferring.

Now, the door has been opened for the redshirt junior quarterback to take that step after being replaced as USC’s starter by Sam Darnold.

The Trojans granted Browne permission to contact other schools about transferring, putting no limitations on potential destinations, including Pac-12 rivals.

“[Browne] deserves the opportunity to find his perfect fit, whether it’s here or some place else,” head coach Clay Helton said Tuesday. “Out of respect to him, a guy that I truly love, I want him to be able to talk to other folks and see, what is the perfect fit?”

Browne has options to transfer having graduated from USC last year. With one year of eligibility remaining, he does not have to sit out a year and will be eligible to play immediately should he opt to leave.

Most schools put limitations on where players can transfer, often preventing moves to rival programs within the same conference or to teams on the upcoming schedule.

By giving Browne open permission, the Trojans could end up playing against their former player if he decides to transfer to a Pac-12 school or the likes of Texas or Notre Dame, who are the out of conference foes on USC’s schedule next year.

That includes crosstown rival UCLA, though that possibility seems highly unlikely with Josh Rosen returning for his junior season next year.

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If Browne were to move on to Washington or Oregon, a program well-versed in the graduate transfer process, USC would avoid playing him thanks to the schedule rotation of the Pac-12. Granted both of those destinations appear as unlikely as the UCLA possibility considering the Huskies success under Jake Browning and the Duck’s spread attack.

In fact, there aren’t many programs in the conference in need of a quarterback next year.

The most viable options for Browne in the Pac-12 include Cal, where transfer Davis Webb will depart after this season, or Washington Sate, where Luke Falk is eligible to declare early for the NFL draft after this year.

Whether Browne decides to follow in the footsteps of Matt Cassell, diving into the NFL scene without much college experience, by staying at USC for his final season or seeks an opportunity to start elsewhere, Helton was clear that the Trojans will support his decision.

“I just appreciate the way he’s practiced out here every day, the way he’s helping out football team and continues to help our football team,” Helton said. “He’s doing it in a very class and professional manner, nothing I don’t expect from him.”