Sophomore Sean Clifford will open the season as Penn State’s starting quarterback, the school announced Friday on its Twitter account.
Clifford beat out redshirt freshman Will Levis and will make his first career start on Aug. 31 when the No. 15 Nittany Lions host Idaho.
Clifford replaces standout Trace McSorley, who set school records for passing yards (9,899) and passing touchdowns (77) during his time in Happy Valley. McSorley was a sixth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Clifford set two school records when he threw a 95-yard touchdown pass to Daniel George in a win over Kent State last season. It was the longest pass play and longest play from scrimmage in Nittany Lions history.
He completed 5 of 7 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Tommy Stevens was initially slated to battle Clifford for the job, but Stevens transferred to Mississippi State following spring practice. Stevens was named the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback on Thursday.
