Quarterback Max Wittek is graduating from USC in the spring and will transfer to a different school for his final two years of college eligibility.
Wittek said that he told coach Steve Sarkisian of his decision on Wednesday.
“I had talked to Coach a couple of times,” Wittek said. “What it really came down to was a feel for me…. Getting my degree from such a great university will mean a lot, and ultimately, allowing me to play right away with two years to play was the best way to go.”
Wittek entered the 2013 season in a competition with Cody Kessler for the Trojans' starting quarterback job. However, Kessler seized the opportunity as the season went on and established himself as USC's top quarterback. Wittek finished the season 14-26 for 212 yards passing and an interception.
He started the Trojans' final regular season game of 2012 against Notre Dame after Matt Barkley was injured and the Sun Bowl loss against Georgia Tech.
He saw his most extensive playing time in 2013 against Hawaii in the first game of the season. He was 5-10 for 77 yards. The following week in a loss to Washington State at home, Wittek was 3-8 for 13 yards.
The future quarterback situation at USC also became more crowded over the weekend with Ricky Town's decision. A class of 2015 recruit, Town decommitted from Alabama and committed to USC. While he won't be joining the Trojans for another season, USC still has redshirt freshman Max Browne and freshman Jalen Greene on the roster behind Kessler.
Wittek said that he has not spoken with other schools.
- - - - - - -
Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @NickBromberg