LOS ANGELES -- USC has signed a permission-to-contact form for backup quarterback Max Browne, which will allow him to seek a transfer destination anywhere in the NCAA.
Browne, who has graduated and is enrolled in a master's program at USC, will be eligible to play immediately next season. He is expected to finish the season at USC and transfer in time to participate in spring practice at a new school.
USC could have blocked a transfer within the conference, but it placed no restrictions on where he can go. Browne and his family are free to start reaching out to coaches immediately, and vice versa.
"He asked for permission to talk to everyone and we granted everyone," USC coach Clay Helton said. "I think that's the only respectful thing for him. You want the best opportunity for yourself and you don't know where that would be.
"Out of respect for the type of guy he is and how he's handled things around here, I personally think he deserves it."
The news comes as no surprise, after Browne -- a redshirt junior -- was benched after starting the first three games of the season in favor of redshirt freshman Sam Darnold. At the time of the switch, Browne all but confirmed he would transfer.
"You think about it right away," Browne said of transferring. "You think about all the possibilities at hand, but at the end of the day, it's only Week 4. There is a lot of ball to play, and so I'll stay ready."
USC went 1-2 with Browne as the starter, before Helton opted to go to Darnold. Browne has completed 58 of 91 passes this season for 507 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions.
"Max has been so good to us and so good to this football team and is a graduate, and that's what's most important," Helton said. "He's graduated from this university, and he's done everything right. So, he deserves the opportunity to find his perfect fit, whether it's here or someplace else.
"Out of respect for 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, who is from Sammamish, Washington, was the No. 2-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2013. He sat behind Cody Kessler for three years and was named the Trojans' starter just before this season began.
