Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight granted release

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced Friday that he has issued backup quarterback Trevor Knight a full release, which allows him to transfer.

Knight was the Sugar Bowl MVP after the 2013 season, and the Sooners were ranked No. 4 in the 2014 preseason poll. Knight was inconsistent before suffering a neck injury late in the year. After the season, Stoops brought in Lincoln Riley as offensive coordinator to bring in his version of the Air Raid. Walk-on Baker Mayfield, who ran the system at Texas Tech, won the starting job before this season and became one of the nation's best players.

''Trevor has been unbelievable during his time as a Sooner,'' Stoops said. ''I can't say enough about him and what he's meant to our program. He will graduate this month and has told us that he would like to investigate the possibility of finishing his career elsewhere. We understand him wanting to explore his options and will be happy for him if he's able to find a good fit.''

Stoops said Knight will remain with the Sooners at least through the College Football Playoff. Fourth-ranked Oklahoma will play top-ranked Clemson in the CFP semifinals in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31. The redshirt junior has one year of eligibility remaining.

''My decision to reach out and communicate with other potential programs is something I feel I must do in order to see if there is a perfect fit for my senior season,'' Knight said in the statement. ''I can promise you that no one is more proud to be a Sooner than I am, and in no way shape or form will this take away from my excitement and commitment heading into the championship season.''

A few weeks ago, Knight seemed fully committed to returning.

''I'm extremely happy here,'' he said, days after the Sooners beat Oklahoma State to clinch the Big 12 title. ''This is my home, and where I'm supposed to be. That's what I've said from the day I first stepped foot on this campus. ... I really can't wait for these next two games.''

Knight threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns as the Sooners upset Alabama 45-31 in the Sugar Bowl after the 2013 season. He started the 2014 season strong, but his spiral started with some critical mistakes late in loss to TCU. He struggled against Baylor before being injured and sitting out the next three games with the neck injury. He returned for the Russell Athletic Bowl against Clemson and completed just 13 of 37 passes for 103 yards with three interceptions.

Mayfield then beat him out in what coaches said was a close race for the starting job, but he still was named a team captain. He struggled in his most meaningful action this season, completing just 5 of 16 passes for 76 yards with an interception as Oklahoma barely held on against TCU 30-29 after Mayfield was knocked out with a concussion.

Knight has played in 24 career games, completing 57.1 percent of his passes for 3,424 yards and 25 touchdowns with 19 interceptions. He also rushed for 853 yards and eight touchdowns. He ranks seventh in OU history in completions, eighth in passing yards and passing attempts, ninth in completion percentage and passing touchdowns and 10th in total offense.