CHICAGO — Jordan Hill and his roommate, Silas Redd, were scheduled to attend the Big Ten media days together.

The NCAA sanctions levied against Penn State earlier this week derailed those plans.

Instead of spending Thursday here, Redd was reportedly at home in Connecticut meeting with USC coach Lane Kiffin. The Trojans, a preseason favorite to appear in the Bowl Championship Series title game, are trying to persuade the junior running back to take advantage of the NCAA transfer waiver granted to Penn State players.

“I haven’t really tried to think about it because I will get too worked up about the situation,” Hill said.

Redd is one of the few high-profile Penn State upperclassmen exploring his options. O’Brien said more than 50 players have informed him they will remain at Penn State in 2012. The group includes the entire first-team defense, according to Hill and linebacker Mike Mauti.

Junior guard John Urschel said the offensive line will retain its key pieces, starting quarterback Matt McGloin announced his decision to stay in a statement, and leading returning receiver Justin Brown is expected to remain at Penn State.