CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - An official at the University of Illinois tells The Associated Press that Penn State offensive lineman Ryan Nowicki will transfer to Illinois.

The redshirt freshman is in the process of completing the necessary paperwork, according to the official who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because Nowicki's move has not been announced by either school.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Nowicki will be the eighth player to leave Penn State following NCAA sanctions imposed last month after the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal. Nittany Lion players are allowed to transfer and play elsewhere right away.

Nowicki has four seasons of eligibility left.

Illinois assistant coaches drew criticism for traveling to State College, Pa., immediately following the sanctions.