After being usurped on the USC Trojans quarterback depth chart by Sam Darnold, redshirt junior Max Browne will be transferring to the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Coming as no surprise, USC Trojans redshirt junior quarterback Max Browne will decide to transfer away from the football program this offseason. His new school of choice will be the University of Pittsburgh.
Browne started the Trojans’ Week 1 opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide and it was an utter disaster. The Trojans were boat raced, 52-6, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. USC head coach Clay Helton would opt to go with redshirt freshman Sam Darnold in a few weeks time and the Trojans are now playing in the Rose Bowl.
Found a new home. Heading to Pitt in January! @CoachDuzzPittFB @Pitt_FB #H2P pic.twitter.com/ymOOP6anoW
— Max Browne (@MaxBrowne4) December 15, 2016
Browne waited behind Cody Kessler in Los Angeles the last few seasons, but had to battle with Darnold for the 2016 starting job. Darnold had the higher upside as a dual-threat playmaker, but starting Browne in Week 1 essentially prevented him from transferring this season.
By going to Pittsburgh, Browne would be the presumed starter for the Panthers in 2017. Pittsburgh has gone with former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nathan Peterman the last two years and have been very successful under head coach Pat Narduzzi.
Pittsburgh runs a more pro-style offense with a prominent rushing attack. This complements the overall defensive strategy set forth by Narduzzi. Since Browne will have already graduated by the time of his transfer, he will be eligible to play and compete for the starting job right away at Pittsburgh.
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Browne had paid his dues for the opportunity to start at USC. Hopefully he gets to take full advantage of his opportunity playing in the ACC Coastal. This seems like a great fit for him and his skill set. Can Browne be the guy to get Pittsburgh over the top and win the ACC Coastal in 2017?