Expectations for the 2019 season were that Penn State’s offensive would line up with some combination of Tommy Stevens and Sean Clifford at quarterback. Stevens was the presumed starter after playing the backup role for three seasons, but he has since transferred to Mississippi State. With Clifford now the clear starter, the backup position is up for grabs.
Clifford, who was figuring to start the 2019 season as the backup, used a strong showing during spring practice and an injury to Stevens to cause head coach James Franklin to be unable to name a 2019 starter at the close of spring practice.