ESPN NFL

Sources close to Mark Sanchez and USC tell ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the quarterback plans to announce Thursday that he will forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Sanchez's father, Nick Sanchez, told ESPN's Shelley Smith on Wednesday his son is undecided.

"Mark is waiting for Coach [Pete] Carroll to return from Hawaii, which is tonight," Nick Sanchez told Smith. "Mark didn't want to do anything without Coach Carroll."

Nick Sanchez said his son will meet with Carroll either Wednesday night or early Thursday.

"Mark has gone both ways on this," Nick Sanchez said, "and he is still undecided."

There is a news conference planned for 10 a.m. PT at USC's Heritage Hall.

"None of us will know probably until the 10 o'clock press conference," Nick Sanchez said.

Sources tell Mortensen that family members have discouraged Sanchez from turning pro and that Carroll asked his quarterback to wait until Thursday's NFL deadline for underclassmen to allow for a change of heart.

If Sanchez submits his paperwork to the NFL on Thursday, as expected, he would have four days to change his mind, as long as he does not enter into an agreement with an agent.

"We've heard a million things, don't know what's going to happen [with Sanchez,] but we're all excited to get to the spring and see where we are," USC quarterback Mitch Mustain told Smith.

Mustain would likely battle Aaron Corp for the starting spot if Sanchez turns pro.

Chris Mortensen is a senior NFL analyst for ESPN.