Former USC quarterback Max Browne will transfer to Pittsburgh

When Max Browne gave USC Coach Clay Helton an update on his pending transfer recently, the quarterback gave Helton a list of schools he was considering.

Pittsburgh seemed especially appealing to Browne, Helton recalled.

“He was excited about it,” Helton said. “I think they were excited about him.”

Browne made the decision final on Thursday. He announced that he would transfer to play his final season of eligibility at Pittsburgh. Browne is a graduate transfer, meaning he will be eligible to play immediately.

Browne visited the school last week. Since then, Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, left to take the same job at Louisiana State. Browne was not swayed.

“He must’ve been sold on the system that was there,” Helton said. “When you bring a quarterback in like Max that’s ultra-talented, you bring him in because you believe in him within the system. I would imagine that’s not going to change.”

Browne was the top high-school quarterback recruit in the nation when he committed to USC. After a redshirt season behind starter Matt Barkley, Browne spent two seasons as the backup to Cody Kessler.

He started USC’s first three games this season before Helton replaced him with redshirt freshman Sam Darnold. Shortly afterward, Browne said he intended to transfer after the season to seek more playing time. Helton expressed support for Browne’s decision, and USC permitted other teams to contact Browne during the season.

About two weeks ago, Browne announced USC’s final regular-season game against Notre Dame had been his last with the Trojans.

Helton again expressed support for Browne’s decision after his announcement on Thursday.

“I want nothing but the best for him,” Helton said. “He’s a special talent, a special kid and I know he’ll have a really bright future.”

Helton also praised the the graduate-transfer rule, which allows students who have graduated to play for another school without sitting out for a season. USC benefitted from the rule this season when defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu transferred from Utah, filling an urgent positional need. Tu’ikolovatu became one of USC’s most productive players.

“You go four years, you get your degree at the university you came to, and maybe you’re behind some guys and you want to be able to have that last year to go play someplace,” Helton said. “So the graduate rule is a good option to have.”

Browne completed 58 of 93 passes this season for 507 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Pittsburgh needs a quarterback to replace senior Nathan Peterman next season. The Panthers have three other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster: sophomore Bo Schneider and freshmen Ben DiNucci and Thomas MacVittie.

zach.helfand@latimes.com