Max Browne to transfer to Pitt

Former USC quarterback Max Browne has just announced that he will be transferring to Pitt. He will have one year to play for the Panthers, and will be enrolling for the Spring semester that starts in a few weeks. Browne is expected to compete for the starting job right away with redshirt freshman Tom MacVittie.

Max Browne was the starter for Southern Cal in the first three games this season. He threw for 507 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions with the Trojans going 1-2 in his starts. At one time Browne was the number one quarterback recruit in the country. Coming out of Skyline High School in the state of Washington, he was a five star recruit and held offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, and Oklahoma in addition to USC.

Many speculated that Pitt would be in the market for a transfer quarterback this offseason. With Nate Peterman set to graduate, it would have left the Panthers with some inexperienced options heading into next year. Tom MacVittie and Ben DiNucci would be the two returnees, as there is speculation Bo Schneider is seeking a transfer himself. Pitt also has one quarterback committed in three-star Kenny Pickett. Browne shores up the position.

Initially, many expected Pitt to be in the market for Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire, but he has focused on other schools. Pitt obviously had another plan up their sleeve landing a visit from Max Browne this past weekend, which happened to be his only official visit lined up before the early enrolling deadline ended.

Not many expected Pitt to land a quarterback the day after their offensive coordinator bolted for LSU, but that’s exactly what happened. Obviously it points to Pat Narduzzi and other members of the staff taking the lead on this recruitment in particular.

Pitt has had some luck in recent seasons with transfers coming in to play quarterback. Nate Peterman has had a very successful two year run since coming to Pitt from Tennessee. Back in 2013, Pitt was led by Arizona (Rutgers) transfer Tom Savage. His play ultimately led to him being drafted by the Houston Texans.

Pitt fans will have to wait until Spring practice to get a look at Max Browns. Given the depth at the position, he may not only be a competitor for the job, but he is likely the favorite.