Updated

USC quarterback Matt Barkley stood in front of a Christmas tree and delivered his school a present.

After setting Trojans records for touchdown passes and completion percentage in a season, Barkley will return to school for his senior year instead of entering the NFL Draft.

The three-year starter announced his plans at a press conference Thursday afternoon, standing at a podium with the decorated tree behind him and his family sitting nearby.

"I know in my heart that I have not yet finished my journey as a Trojans football player," he said.

Barkley passed for 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns with a 69.1 completion percentage and just seven interceptions in his junior season.

He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting after leading USC (10-2) to the Pac-12 South Division title, but was not among the finalists invited to the award ceremony.

The Trojans ended 7-2 in conference play after closing the season with a 50-0 rout of city rival UCLA. They were not eligible for the Pac-12 championship or a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions.