STATE COLLEGE — Pat Devlin is transferring from No. 6 Penn State, leaving the Nittany Lions short a backup quarterback headed into the Rose Bowl.

The sophomore informed coach Joe Paterno of his intention, the team said Wednesday night in a brief statement.

"The Penn State football program wishes him well at his new school," the statement said.

It was unclear whether Devlin had already made a decision on his next stop. His father, Mark, declined comment when reached by phone Wednesday night by The Associated Press, and directed all inquiries to Penn State.

Devlin's departure leaves little-used senior Paul Cianciolo as the top backup to starter Daryll Clark when the Nittany Lions meet No. 5 Southern California at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. Receiver Derrick Williams has also lined up at quarterback for a few running plays this season.

Devlin lost a tight preseason competition for the quarterback job to Clark.

Clark, who has a year of eligibility left, has thrown for 2,319 yards, 17 TDs, and run for nine scores this season.

Devlin played in 10 games, mostly when Penn State was holding big leads. He was 25-of-47 passing this season for 459 yards and four TDs.

Devlin entered the Ohio State game in the fourth quarter after Clark left with a concussion. Devlin's 1-yard touchdown run put the Nittany Lions up for good.