USC will allow Browne to transfer within Pac-12

USC has signed permission-to-contact forms for Max Browne, allowing the quarterback to speak with any school in the NCAA about a transfer.

A school spokesperson confirmed the news to Scout's Ryan Abraham, who first caught wind of it from a source.

Browne has yet to announce his intention to transfer, but it's widely expected he'll do so at season's end. The Sammamish, Wash., native was benched earlier this year in favor of redshirt freshman Sam Darnold, who's since taken a stranglehold of the starting job.

The development means the Trojans will grant Browne the ability to transfer within the Pac-12 without penalty.

Browne has already received his bachelor's degree from USC, meaning he'll be able to transfer at the end of the season and play immediately for his new club. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Browne has thrown for 507 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions this season, the bulk of that production coming in his three starts at the beginning of the campaign.

USC's decision to give him a full release means the two parties will be able to avoid a Maurice Smith situation, which saw the former Alabama defender have to fight for the ability to head to SEC rival Georgia.

Browne was the No. 2 rated pocket passer in the 2013 recruiting class. He was pursued at that time by several top programs, including Alabama, Clemson, and Oklahoma, as well as Pac-12 teams like California, Oregon State, and Washington.

It's unknown which schools would have interest in the pivot this time around, or which schools he might have an eye on.