Penn State Football: Quarterback Steven Bench To Transfer

Penn State announced Wednesday afternoon that sophomore quarterback Steven Bench would be leaving Happy Valley to play football elsewhere.

“I’ve decided to leave Penn State and go to a school that will give me the opportunity to compete for the QB spot and reach my full potential.” Bench tweeted.

Bench finished spring practice in a neck-and-neck race with junior college transfer Tyler Ferguson. Both quarterbacks went 9-of-15 passing for just under 100 yards passing in the annual Blue White game. Incoming freshman Christian Hackenberg will join the Nittany Lions this summer.

Per the NCAA, Penn State players are able to leave the program without sitting out a year until training camp this summer. Normally, transfers in most situations require that a student-athlete sit out a year before becoming eligible to compete at their new school.

“I have been meeting with all the players this week with my evaluation of where they are at related to football and academics and to discuss what they need to work on this summer,” Penn State coach Bill O’Brien said.

“After meeting with Steven, he informed me he wants to play elsewhere. We want what is best for Steven. I want to thank him for his contributions to the program. We wish Steven the best in the future and will assist him anyway we can.”

O’Brien said that Ferguson and Hackenberg, will compete along with D.J. Crook and Austin Whipple for the starting quarterback assignment for the Aug. 31 season opener vs. Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.