Ryan Katz seeks and is granted release

OSU ANNOUNCED on Sunday that quarterback Ryan Katz has requested and been granted a release so that he can transfer to play football at another university outside the Pac-12.

Ryan Katz, who recently completed his redshirt junior season, is on track to graduate from OSU in March with a degree in business finance.

As such, Katz will have the opportunity to become immediately eligible to play the 2012 season at any institution outside the Pac-12 Conference provided that he is pursuing post-graduate studies during his senior season.

Katz in effect lost his starting QB job after the first half of the Sac State game to Sean Mannion. Katz started the next week but Mannion came in almost immediately and played the entire game. From that point on, Mannion was officially installed as the Beavs' starter.

Katz graduated from Santa Monica (Cal.) High School in March of 2008 and arrived on the OSU campus in time for spring practice of that season.

“After discussing this issue with my family I have decided to seek other academic and athletic opportunities,” Katz said. “I have been granted my release from Oregon State and I plan to transfer as a graduate student with one year of eligibility remaining. I have considered Corvallis home for the past four years and it's been filled with many experiences and life lessons. I want to thank all my supporters and I look forward to writing the next chapter of my story.”

Katz played in 18 games for his OSU career, starting 14 contests. He completed 239 of 406 pass attempts for 2,722 yards and 19 touchdowns.

“I want to thank Ryan for his contributions at Oregon State and he leaves our school with my utmost respect,” Mike Riley said. “Everybody associated with the Oregon State football program wishes him great success in his future endeavors.”