Last updated April 14 at 3:03 p.m. PST
After yet another disappointing regular season for USC, head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are looking to continue their defensive revamp and slow the bleeding on offense. USC has a strong high school recruiting class coming in, but there are immediate holes that the transfer portal can fill throughout the Trojan roster.
So far, USC has lost more players than it has brought in, but the Trojans have some momentum building as they look to make it back to the national spotlight.
Follow along with Annenberg Media’s live tracker of everyone who has transferred in and out of USC. Authored by Thomas Johnson, Terence Holton, Kasey Kazliner, Crash “CrashLit” Collier and Andrew Giesler.
USC’s Transfer Portal rankings, as of April 14
On3 (Factors transfers in and transfers out): 67th
247Sports (Just factors transfers in): 19th
Transfers In
Bishop Fitzgerald: Safety
Previous school: NC State
Current Class: Senior
On3 Ranking: Three star (four star out of junior college)
247Sports Ranking: Three star (three star out of junior college)
Committed: January 14
Giesler: It seems USC has found a theme with its transfer portal pickups: former JUCO players might be the way to go. Fitzgerald is no different, originally playing at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas where he was the top JUCO safety before taking his talents to Raleigh with NC State.
With the Wolfpack last year, Fitzgerald was a monster in the open field with 55 total tackles — 35 of which were solo. He forced a fumble in their electric win against Cal and tallied three interceptions on the year. In the 2023 season, the strong safety managed two interceptions and 42 tackles — showing consistency and promise that he can put up legitimate numbers in USC’s secondary.
With Akili Arnold running out of eligibility, Fitzgerald will likely battle against Anthony Beavers Jr. to stand beside the always-dangerous Kamari Ramsey. The 6-foot, 195-pound Virginia native might have to give up the No. 7 jersey, but his speed and top-tier vision to predict where plays are going will be a welcomed sight for D’Anton Lynn and the improving Trojan defensive backs.
Prince Strachan: Wide Receiver
Previous School: Boise State
Current Class: Sophomore
On3 Ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports Ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
Committed: January 13
Kazliner: Following Boise State’s run to the Fiesta Bowl, only one starter entered the transfer portal.
That lone player was Prince Strachan, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver, who now will join USC. The Trojans hadn’t had any luck signing needed receiver depth prior to Strachan’s decision, so his arrival will support the likes of sophomore wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon, next season’s surefire main targets.
On a Broncos team centered around the run, Strachan was the fourth-leading receiver with 304 yards on 25 receptions, numbers that would’ve placed him eighth on USC in pass-catching yards in 2024. But with the bulk of head coach Lincoln Riley’s wideouts heading elsewhere, Strachan will likely be expected to step up into a bigger role. Strachan had a string of solid performances in 2024, including an efficient 40-yard day during Boise State’s College Football Playoff loss to Penn State.
Strachan’s size is intriguing. Duce Robinson was USC’s tallest receiver last season at 6-foot-6, but with him gone, Strachan’s only slightly smaller frame will give presumptive starting quarterback Jayden Maiava a more well-rounded pool of targets to throw to in 2025.
He is touted as a budding deep threat but is still searching for consistency at the college level. It appeared that he wasn’t always given the amount of opportunities that he would’ve wanted while with the Broncos, so under Riley, he’ll have a fresh start waiting for him.
J’Onre Reed: Offensive Lineman
Previous School: Syracuse
Current Class: Senior
On3 Ranking: Three star (three star out of junior college)
247Sports Ranking: Four star (three star out of junior college)
Committed: January 8
Johnson: Another former Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon (see Waymond Jordan below), Reed adds another big body to the middle of the USC offensive line. “Big General” was the starting center for Syracuse each of the last two years, setting him up to replace graduating redshirt senior offensive lineman Jonah Monheim at that position. Even though USC is losing three starters along the offensive line, Reed and DJ Wingfield (see below) will be solid replacement options for the Trojans.
USC will likely explore transfer options for a starter at right tackle, but freshman Justin Tauanuu and redshirt freshman Tobias Raymond both played well at the tackle positions in the Las Vegas Bowl, likely setting up a competition at right tackle between those two if the Trojans do not add another piece. Redshirt freshman Elijah Paige, who got injured in the bowl game and gave way to Tauanuu, will likely start at left tackle and sophomore Alani Noa will man one of the interior lineman spots.
However, with the addition of Reed, the Trojans are in a much better spot in terms of offensive lineman than they were on January 4.
Sam Huard: Quarterback
Previous School: Utah
Current Class: Senior
On3 Ranking: Three star (five star out of high school)
247Sports Ranking: Three star (five star out of high school)
Committed: January 6
Kazliner: Now with his fourth college program, quarterback Sam Huard’s journey has seen its peaks and valleys. Originally a five-star recruit and touted as a future NFL first-round pick out of high school, injuries inhibited him from logging a single snap at Utah in 2024, forcing him to take a medical redshirt. Huard had previously played with Washington and the FCS’ Cal Poly.
Reuniting with uncle and quarterbacks coach Luke Huard at USC, Sam Huard’s arrival adds needed depth to the Trojans’ depleted quarterback room. Midseason fill-in starter Jayden Maiava and five-star freshman Husan Longstreet were the only two quarterbacks on scholarship prior to Huard’s commitment.
Huard threw for 2,247 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2023 at Cal Poly. Known as a pro-style, deep-throwing gunslinger with a top-tier pocket presence, Huard was originally 247Sports’ No. 3-ranked quarterback out of the 2021 high school recruiting class, only behind Quinn Ewers and former USC signal caller Caleb Williams.
A bit of a wild card, Huard will aim to prove his former five-star value while competing against two other quarterbacks with limited-to-no Power Five experience for playing time.
Waymond Jordan: Running Back
Previous School: Hutchinson Community College
On3 Ranking: Three star
247Sports Ranking: Three star
Committed: January 5
Giesler: The Trojans are in need of a new starting running back and they might have filled that slot with Jordan, the No. 1 running back recruit out of JUCO.
The second JUCO product USC has signed, the elusive back out of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas has great patience, watching the play develop in front of him before taking off through whatever gap he finds in the offensive line. Riley is hoping to gain Jordan’s ability to bounce outside and get vertical, but the running back’s ability to shed tackles will also become a huge asset for the team in both the run and pass game.
This past year at Hutchinson CC, Jordan put up eye-popping numbers, including a four-touchdown game against Ellsworth with 175 yards on only nine carries, along with two 200+ rushing games against Georgia Military College and Highland Community College. Averaging 134 yards and almost two touchdowns a game, Jordan was smart with the football, only fumbling twice in the 12 games they played. With USC still looking for its starting tailback, Jordan may have a chance to fight for the open spot against returners Bryan Jackson and A’Marion Peterson.
DJ Wingfield: Offensive Lineman
Previous School: Purdue
Current Class: Senior
On3 Ranking: Three star (three star out of junior college)
247Sports Ranking: Four star (three star out of junior college)
Committed: January 5
Kazliner: After star offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (see below) announced that he’d be transferring out of USC, fans expected head coach Lincoln Riley to immediately search for a replacement.
The Trojans officially nabbed their first offensive lineman via the transfer portal in former Purdue standout DJ Wingfield, one building block toward revamping the tattered unit. At 6-foot-4, Wingfield played 674 offensive snaps in 2024, slotting in at right guard. He has also previously spent time at right tackle, an area of versatility Riley could explore if the Trojans are unable to fully rebuild the offensive line unit this offseason.
Wingfield grew up not far from USC, attending Redondo Union High School. He went the junior college route before winding up at New Mexico for two seasons and transferring to Purdue for a year. He’ll have one season of eligibility with the Trojans.
Wingfield was the No. 5-ranked uncommitted interior offensive lineman in the portal by 247Sports before his announcement. He’ll have a chance to play his former Boilermakers when USC treks to Purdue during Week 3 of the 2025 campaign.
Caden Chittenden: Kicker
Previous School: UNLV
Current Class: Freshman
On3 Ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 24
Johnson: For the second straight year, the Trojans have gained the transfer commitment from the Mountain West Freshman of the Year out of UNLV. Last year, it was USC’s starting quarterback, redshirt sophomore Jayden Maiava, and this time around it’s Chittenden. The true freshman went 26-for-33 on his field goals and only missed one extra point on 56 tries this season. Three of his field-goal misses were from 50+ yards, meaning he went 25-for-29 from 49 yards or shorter for a solid 86.2% mark. In comparison, USC’s kickers went 13-for-18 from that range this season, which comes out to 72.2%, and 14-for-20 overall.
Chittenden will replace redshirt senior Michael Lantz, who was a one-year rental after transferring over from Georgia Southern last offseason. Given his youth, the Trojans will appreciate not having to replace Chittenden after one season as they had to do with Lantz.
Jamaal Jarrett: Defensive Lineman
Previous School: Georgia
Current Class: Sophomore
On3 Ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 21
Holton: Jarrett appeared in 11 games for Georgia this season, but he was unable to make a large impact on the already stout Bulldog defensive line. Regardless of his lack of stats, Jarrett stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs a whopping 350 pounds.
Jarrett will need to fill the Bear-sized hole left by former USC and Georgia defensive lineman Bear Alexander, who redshirted after just three games this season for the Trojans and later entered the transfer portal (see below).
While Jarrett did not see many snaps for Georgia, he will likely be a key piece of the USC defensive line as one of, if not the largest player on the Trojan roster. With the likes of redshirt senior defensive lineman Gavin Meyer and Nate Clifton using up all their eligibility, Jarrett fills a much-needed hole for the USC defense.
Keeshawn Silver: Defensive Lineman
Previous School: Kentucky
Current Class: Junior
On3 Ranking: Four star (five star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (five star out of high school)
Committed: December 19
Holton: At 6-foot-4, 336 pounds, Silver’s massive frame should be justification enough for recruiting him to the defensive line. His stats don’t pop off the stat sheet, as Silver recorded 26 total tackles but only one sack this past season. Silver is less of a stat grabber and more of a hole filler, stopping gaps from opening up on the defensive front.
With multiple defensive players either transferring or graduating, adding a player of Silver’s stature was important for rebuilding the defensive front.
This will be Silver’s third stop in college after initially enrolling at North Carolina as a five-star recruit out of high school before spending his last two seasons at Kentucky. Now, Silver looks to Los Angeles for his final collegiate football season.
Coupled with a few returning young edge rushers and five-star freshman Jahkeem “Thanos” Stewart coming in, defensive line coach Eric Henderson is having himself quite the recruiting cycle.
Eli Sanders: Running Back
Previous School: New Mexico
Current Class: Junior
On3 Ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 18
Holton: After three less-than-ideal seasons at Iowa State, Sanders took his talents to the Southwest with New Mexico. In his first and only year with the Lobos, he had a breakout year where he put up 1,197 total yards and nine touchdowns, finishing fifth in rush yards in the Mountain West.
The USC running back room took a hit this offseason with redshirt senior Woody Marks declaring for the NFL Draft and redshirt freshman Quinten Joyner entering the transfer. As of December 21, the only returning running backs are freshman Bryan Jackson and redshirt freshman A’Marion Peterson.
Sanders will look to prove he can compete on the Power Four level once again with the Trojans, but don’t be surprised if the coaching staff looks to add another running back for depth purposes.
DJ Harvey
Previous School: San José State
Current Class: Redshirt Junior
On3 Ranking: Four star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 14
Holton: Harvey is returning to Southern California, reuniting with his former high school teammate and current Trojan safety, redshirt sophomore Kamari Ramsey..
After having two underwhelming seasons in Blacksburg, Virginia with Virginia Tech, Harvey came back to California where, this past season, he had a breakout year, recording 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, four interceptions and one touchdown.
Harvey is a much-needed addition to the USC secondary which lost four of its cornerbacks from this past season: Jaylin Smith, Jacobe Covington, John Humphrey, and DeCarlos Nicholson, all exhausting their eligibility. Likely, Harvey, who has played in the nickel position in the past, will play on the outside as one of the Trojans’ top cover corners with a lack of depth in the secondary.
Transfers Out
A’Marion Peterson: Running Back
New School: ???
Current class: Redshirt Sophomore
On3 ranking: N/A (four star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
Entered Transfer Portal: April 2
Collier: Peterson’s decision follows two seasons in which the redshirt sophomore saw minimal playing time in a crowded running back room. In addition, Peterson was likely to find himself overshadowed by the incoming transfers that Riley brought in following the conclusion of the 2024 season: Eli Sanders from New Mexico and junior Waymond Jordan from Hutchinson CC (see both above) were likely to get more touches than Peterson. In addition, sophomore running back Bryan Jackson was also likely to see the field more than Peterson.
Despite not touching the ball too much over his first two years of college, Peterson still made the most of his opportunities with USC, most notably in the 2024 Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M. After Woody Marks opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft and Quinten Joyner entered the portal, Peterson rushed for 43 yards on 12 rushing attempts to help USC beat the Aggies 35-31. He also caught two passes from quarterback Jayden Maiava for 13 receiving yards.
But even with his success in Las Vegas against Texas A&M, Peterson saw another small role on the horizon and ultimately decided to start a new chapter.
Emmanuel Pregnon: Offensive Lineman
New School: Oregon
Current class: Redshirt Senior
On3 ranking: Four Star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (N/A out of high school)
Committed: January 14
Johnson: Despite multiple reports that Pregnon was returning for next season, the two-year starter for the Trojans is entering the portal. While he might not be the best of USC’s players to enter the portal, he might well be the most important departure. The Trojans were going to have a makeshift offensive line next year in any case, already losing two starters in redshirt senior Jonah Monheim to the NFL Draft and redshirt junior Mason Murphy to the portal. With Pregnon now out the door, USC will only have two returning starters along the offensive line.
The redshirt senior, previously a transfer from Wyoming, had accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl, but offensive line coach Zach Hanson announced that Pregnon would be returning to USC at a post-practice press conference. After playing in the Las Vegas Bowl for USC, Pregnon changed his mind, although he never personally announced his intent to return, just Hanson.
While the Trojans were likely to dip into the transfer portal for an interior offensive lineman in any case, it’ll be that much more important for the success of the squad with Pregnon’s decision.
Pregnon decided to transfer up north, joining the Oregon Ducks, the second former Trojan to do so (see Bear Alexander below). USC will head to Autzen Stadium to face off against Oregon, looking to beat its former player.
Charles Ross: Wide Receiver
New School: Purdue
Current class: Redshirt Senior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (three star out of high school)
Committed: January 4
Johnson: After transferring over from San Jose State last offseason, Ross was likely expecting a much larger role on the offense than he received. The redshirt senior only appeared in three games, securing one reception for 11 yards against Utah State. Even in the Las Vegas Bowl, when USC was missing three of its top receivers, Ross could not make an impact for the Trojans.
If Ross were younger, he may have stayed and developed longer at USC, but he is nearing the end of his collegiate career and needs to play if he has any hopes to make the NFL. In his final season with the Spartans, Ross was second on the team with his 347 yards and also tallied one touchdown on 26 receptions. While teams won’t look at his stats with USC, there is the production he had at San Jose State to see his potential.
Ross decided to take his talents to a Big Ten competitor mere days after entering the portal. The Boilermakers have been hit especially hard by portal departures, losing five wide receivers as of January 8. Adding Ross was a necessity for a Purdue squad which will face off against USC in West Lafayette in 2025.
Elijah Hughes: Defensive Tackle
New School: Notre Dame
Current class: Sophomore
On3 ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (three star out of high school)
Committed: January 11
Johnson: Hughes had similar roles across his two years as a Trojan, putting up six tackles each year in eight games as a freshman and seven as a sophomore. While Hughes was sitting behind two redshirt seniors on the depth chart — meaning he was likely set up for a starting role next year — he likely figured the Trojans would bring in multiple players at his position to usurp him. USC, as of December 21, has done that twice (see above), keeping Hughes as a reserve.
The defensive tackle is still a young player and was a three-star recruit out of high school, landing with Notre Dame who will try and develop him into a productive player.
Zachariah Branch: Wide Receiver
New School: Georgia
Current class: Sophomore
On3 ranking: Four star (five star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (five star out of high school)
Committed: January 5
Giesler: One of the biggest losses for the Trojans, the younger Branch brother joined the portal despite the personal success he had at the school. Branch led all wide receivers with his 47 receptions and was second in receiving yards at 503. Averaging 10.7 yards per reception, Branch was a massive part of USC’s air raid style of offense, using his speed and elite route-running capabilities.
One of multiple wide receivers who abandoned Riley and Los Angeles, Branch is headed down south to join the Georgia Bulldogs along with his older brother. Georgia is already gearing up for another championship run next season, winning two out of the last three College Football Playoffs with a chance to make it three out of four this season.
Zion Branch: Safety
New School: Georgia
Current class: Redshirt Sophomore
On3 ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
Entered Transfer Portal: December 17
Johnson: The older Branch brother dealt with injuries throughout his USC career and could not crack through the depth chart this season, sitting behind two transfer safeties. Branch could have played opposite redshirt sophomore Kamari Ramsey next year, with redshirt seniors Bryson Shaw and Akili Arnold exhausting their eligibility, but Zion entered the portal in conjunction with his brother (see above).
The Trojans do have some talented players at the safety position waiting in the wings, but Branch was a former top-100 recruit and could have finally made an impact headed into next season. Branch was an important depth piece for USC this year, recording 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and three pass break-ups.
The Branch brothers were always going to be a package deal, so even though Zion only came in as a three-star transfer, he landed with the Bulldogs and will look to reach his four-star potential with a perennial national championship contender.
Raesjon Davis: Linebacker
New School: Oregon State
Current class: Senior
On3 ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 22
Johnson: Davis, a Clay Helton-era recruit, never had the chance to make a major impact for the Trojans. Ever since Riley stepped foot on campus, he and his defensive staff have opted to bring in transfer portal linebackers to slot into starting roles. As such, Davis only ever saw meaningful playing time when injuries ensued.
The senior linebacker redshirted this season after playing in the first four games to preserve one final year of eligibility, which he will use at a different school. When he first announced his redshirt, the plan was not to transfer but play with the Trojans as a redshirt senior, according to the L.A. Times. That plan has obviously changed.
With Davis’ exit to Oregon State, the Trojans will not have a single player on the roster from Mater Dei with a star rating next year; redshirt junior wide receiver Josiah Zamora projects to be the only former Monarch on the roster for 2025 and was unranked out of high school. Despite recruiting the likes of Davis, Domani Jackson, Raleek Brown and CJ Williams out of Mater Dei, all have since transferred.
Kalolo Ta’aga: Offensive Lineman
New School: Utah
Current class: Freshman
On3 ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 18
Johnson: After only spending one year with the Trojans, Ta’aga entered the transfer portal. As expected, the true freshman was not listed on the depth chart and decided to take his talents elsewhere. The former three-star recruit has unrefined skills given he did not start playing football until Fall 2023, according to 247Sports.
Ta’aga announced he is headed to USC’s former Pac-12 foe in Utah, which finished just 5-7 in its first season in the Big 12.
DJ Peevy: Defensive End
New School: University of Montana
Current class: Redshirt Freshman
On3 ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (four star out of high school)
Committed: February 3
Johnson: There was just no clear way to playing time for Peevy, similar to Sam Greene (see below). Despite spending two seasons with the Trojans, Peevy did not appear in a single game, making it an easy decision for him to enter the portal.
On3 only ranked him as a three-star recruit, although 247Sports had him as a four star. While he has certainly not lived up to either ranking, another school will have the chance to tap the potential of the San Diego native.
Duce Robinson: Wide Receiver
New School: Florida State
Current class: Sophomore
On3 ranking: Four star (five star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (five star out of high school)
Committed: December 22
Giesler: One of the best athletes on the Trojan roster, USC is not only losing a great wide receiver but also a legitimate outfielder in baseball as well. Robinson had 23 receptions for 396 yards and five touchdowns, making him a depth receiver that other teams certainly had to pay attention to.
His athletic ability, size and speed are all things that teams are wanting in their program and any team would be lucky to have him added to its receiver room. On the other side of that coin, losing Robinson will hurt the Trojans much more than people think it will. Despite sitting at seventh in receptions on the team, Robinson had the second-most touchdown grabs and was crucial for USC’s passing attack in the endzone.
Robinson decided to land with the Seminoles, which certainly shocked many Trojan fans given Florida State’s 2-10 finish this past season. The sophomore does have ties to Tallahassee, though, as his dad played for the Seminoles in the early 2000s.
Garth White: Kicker
New School: ???
Current class: Senior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (N/A out of high school)
Entered Transfer Portal: December 10
Johnson: White spent three seasons at USC and did not take a single kick in a game. The former JUCO product — spending one year at Ventura Junior College — was sitting behind redshirt junior Denis Lynch in previous years and redshirt senior Michael Lantz this year.
The Westlake, California native also doubles as a punter, but is primarily listed as a kicker.
Mason Murphy: Offensive Lineman
New School: Auburn
Current class: Redshirt Junior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 17
Johnson: Murphy was USC’s starting right tackle this past season and while he improved throughout the season, the redshirt junior was still likely the weakest part of the unit for the Trojans. He committed false starts on USC’s final, scoreless drives in both a 27-24 loss to Michigan and a 26-21 defeat to Washington.
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Tobias Raymond sits behind Murphy on the depth chart, meaning he will likely start in USC’s bowl game. However, the Trojans and new offensive line coach Zach Hanson will likely look to the transfer portal for a tackle to go opposite redshirt freshman Elijah Paige next season.
Murphy committed to an SEC school, showing that he is still a high-caliber player who the Trojans will have to replace.
Quinten Joyner: Running Back
New School: Texas Tech
Current class: Redshirt Freshman
On3 ranking: Four star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 19
Johnson: Joyner was the heir apparent to redshirt senior running back Woody Marks, but did not seem to like that plan. The redshirt freshman was USC’s second-stringer and notched 478 yards, leading Trojan rushers with his 7.6 yards per carry.
As with the running game as a whole, it seemed the Trojans underutilized Joyner’s talent, which likely led to his transfer decision. Despite averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a team, USC attempted 160 more pass attempts than rushes. The Trojans do have an air raid mentality, but their refusal to run the ball was stark.
The Manor, Texas native now heads closer to home, joining a Red Raiders squad which finished 8-4 in the regular season and ran the ball 102 more times than the Trojans.
Kade Eldridge: Tight End
New School: Washington
Current class: Redshirt Freshman
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 20
Johnson: Despite being the second tight end on the depth chart, Eldridge brought down fewer receptions than the third stringer, freshman Walker Lyons. Assuming Lyons continues his assurgence into his sophomore year, Eldridge might have seen a shove down the depth chart. The Trojans also had talented freshmen Joey Olson and Walter Matthews — neither of whom notched a reception — this season, two players who might have surpassed Eldridge if he had stayed at USC.
With a further lack of playing time on the horizon, the Lynden, Washington native entered the portal and committed to the Huskies. Senior tight end Keleki Latu notched the third-most receptions per game for the Huskies during the regular season, while USC’s redshirt junior Lake McRee was sixth in that stat for the Trojans. Eldridge is moving to a program which relies more on tight ends and might offer more opportunities to the young player.
Bear Alexander: Defensive Tackle
New School: Oregon
Current Class: Junior
On3 ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 21
Giesler: Alexander was expected to do huge things this past year, aiming to act as the backbone of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s defense. It only took three games, though, for Alexander to decide he had seen enough and he would redshirt to maintain two more years of eligibility. Last year — his only full season with the Trojans — Alexander did have 43 tackles but only 1.5 sacks, which was not what many expected as he was a former national champion with Georgia just a year prior.
Things didn’t pick up at the beginning of this season either. He had five tackles in the three games, but didn’t garner a sack. It can be said, though, that USC’s defense would have loved to have him. During those first few games and especially against the then-No. 13 LSU Tigers, the Trojan defensive line seemed like it could lead a playoff contender. Alexander was reportedly unhappy with his playing time, though, and decided to sit out the rest of the year.
Alexander decided to go with the No. 1 seed in the first 12-team College Football Playoff, the Oregon Ducks. As a huge prospect on the defensive side of the ball, it is no surprise that Alexander decided to go with a championship-contending team. Despite having an electric offense, head coach Dan Lanning is a defensively minded coach, which likely had a big factor why Alexander made the decision. Already winning a ring with the Bulldogs in 2022, Alexander is looking to add another in his last two years of eligibility with one of the top teams in the nation.
Sam Greene: Defensive End
New School: Kentucky
Current class: Redshirt Freshman
On3 ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 14
Johnson: Greene had a solid season as a redshirt freshman this past year, notching three tackles for a loss across 11 games played. The former three-star recruit was stuffed down the depth chart and was not expected to start next season either, likely leading to his transfer.
The Trojans do have two young defensive ends who project to be stars in sophomore Braylan Shelby and freshman Kameryn Fountain — both of whom had more tackles for losses than Greene this season — meaning there was a chance Greene would never start in his time at USC.
While Greene was not the most highly rated transfer, he is headed to Kentucky to join an SEC team which finished with a 4-8 mark in the regular season. The Wildcats were not the strongest of SEC teams this year, recording a 1-7 conference mark, but they are still a good landing spot for the former Trojan.
Jake Jensen: Quarterback
New School: University of Montana
Current class: Redshirt Junior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of junior college)
247Sports ranking: N/A (N/A out of junior college)
Committed: December 14
Johnson: Jensen was never going to start at USC with redshirt sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava at the helm and incoming freshman Husan Longstreet slated to back him up. With Jensen entering the transfer portal, he’s looking for a chance to start after not attempting a single pass this season for the Trojans.
The JUCO product announced he is moving on to the University of Montana, an FCS squad which finished 9-5 this past season after making it to the second round of the FCS playoffs.
Amos Talalele: Offensive Lineman
New School: Kansas State
Current class: Redshirt Freshman
On3 ranking: Three star (three star out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 21
Johnson: Talalele was part of a 2023 high school recruiting class which featured five offensive lineman with a three-star rating or better. Of those five, two were full-time starters this past year and the other three were the backups at their position. The problem for Talalele was that he was the backup to one of his fellow classmates, sophomore Alani Noa, and had the longest waiting time to find a starting role.
Talalele was slated for an important depth role next season, leaving the Trojans with few options in the interior of the offensive line. USC will likely have to look to the transfer portal to replace Talalele, but the Trojans do have freshmen Justin Tauanuu and Makai Saina who might slide into that spot.
Denis Lynch: Place Kicker
New School: ???
Current class: Redshirt Junior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (N/A out of high school)
Entered Transfer Portal: December 5
Giesler: The lefty Lynch returned this past year knowing he would be in a position battle with his right-footed teammate Lantz, and Lynch lost the starting job. In the 2023-24 season, Lynch went 10-for-14 with a season and career long of 53 yards. During his time in the cardinal and gold, his issue really wasn’t from distance — he was perfect on all attempts from 40-49 yards — but instead from the mid-range of 30-39 yards. From this range, Lynch was barely above 50% at 9-for-17, making him someone that was tough to rely on in late-game scenarios.
Kyron Hudson: Wide Receiver
New School: Penn State
Current class: Redshirt Junior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Three star (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 16
Johnson: A human highlight reel, Hudson seemed to catch everything this season for the Trojans. He was key in helping USC take down LSU to open its season, compiling five receptions for 83 yards to lead his squad. Still, Hudson could not establish himself as WR1 for the Trojans, finishing third on the year in receptions, yards and touchdowns, behind two sophomores in every category.
Hudson stays in the same conference as USC, joining Penn State, who beat the Trojans in the regular season and recently moved on to the second round of the College Football Playoff. The Trojans do have talent at the wide receiver position, but this is still a big veteran loss for USC.
Gino Quinones: Offensive Lineman
New School: Fresno State
Current class: Redshirt Senior
On3 ranking: Three star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: N/A (three star out of high school)
Committed: December 23
Johnson: Quinones was finally lined up for a big role with the Trojans last year, but a season-ending injury slowed him up and allowed younger players to pass him on the depth chart. While he was second on the depth chart at left guard this season, his departure is not as significant given redshirt senior offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon’s decision to return for one more season.
The Trojans will have to find a backup to Pregnon, but redshirt freshman offensive lineman Micah Banuelos might be suited for that role. Banuelos was the backup left tackle this season, but projects more as an interior offensive lineman, standing at 6-foot-2. USC has multiple incoming freshmen who will play the tackle position at the collegiate level, allowing Banuelos to move back inside and fill the absence of Quinones.
The redshirt senior decided to move along to the Bulldogs, joining two former Trojan coaches. USC’s linebackers coach this past season, Matt Entz, is now the Fresno State head coach and he brought along assistant offensive line coach Zach Crabtree to become the new offensive line coach for the Bulldogs. As of December 24, Quinones is the third former Trojan across the last three offseasons to transfer to Fresno State, joining senior linebacker Tuasivi Nomura and redshirt junior defensive lineman Korey Foreman.
Miller Moss: Quarterback
New School: Louisville
Current class: Redshirt Junior
On3 ranking: Four star (N/A out of high school)
247Sports ranking: Four star (four star out of high school)
Committed: December 14
Johnson: Moss was just never the right quarterback for Riley’s system. Despite starting for the Trojans for a majority of the season, Moss was not mobile enough to fit his coach’s vision. After Riley benched Moss for redshirt sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava, it was the worst-kept secret in sports that the benched signal caller would enter the portal.
Across nine games this season, Moss put up 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine picks. He earned his four-star transfer ranking because of how successful he can be in the right system, which Moss decided was Louisville. Trojan and Cardinal fans will remember how Moss broke onto the scene, beating Louisville in last season’s Holiday Bowl for his first career win in his first career start.
While his USC career did not end as he would have liked, Moss is moving to another Power Four conference in the ACC and will compete for a team which just completed an 8-4 regular season.