USC football is facing a significant upheaval as a wave of talent exits the program through the transfer portal. Following a disappointing 6-6 regular season, speculation surrounding coach Lincoln Riley’s future has only added to the turmoil. As a result, several key players have decided to seek new opportunities elsewhere. Let’s take a closer look at the top five Trojans who have entered the transfer portal and what their departures mean for the program.
5 top USC players who entered the portal
1. Zachariah Branch, WR
Leading the pack is Zachariah Branch, the top wide receiver prospect from the 2023 recruiting class. Standing at just 5-foot-10, Branch’s game-breaking speed has made him a standout player. In 2023, he not only caught 31 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns but also made a significant impact on special teams, returning both a kick and a punt for touchdowns.
Branch’s role expanded in 2024, where he caught 47 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown. Despite his contributions, he has decided to leave the Trojans, with his next destination yet to be announced. His departure leaves a considerable void in USC’s receiving corps.
2. Bear Alexander, DL
Next up is Bear Alexander, a talented defensive lineman who has had a tumultuous journey through high school and college. After starting his career at Georgia, Alexander transferred to USC, where he enjoyed a standout 2023 season with 48 tackles and seven tackles for loss.
However, after playing just three games in 2024, he opted to enter the transfer portal. With two years of eligibility remaining, Alexander has chosen to transfer to Oregon, further depleting USC’s defensive lineup.
3. Duce Robinson, WR
Duce Robinson, a former five-star recruit and the nation’s top tight end prospect in 2023, has also decided to leave. Standing at 6-foot-6, Robinson’s size and skill set have made him a valuable asset, particularly as a receiver for the Trojans.
In his two seasons, Robinson’s production increased from 16 catches in 2023 to 23 in 2024, totaling 39 catches for 747 yards and seven touchdowns. His impressive 19.2 yards per catch showcases his potential. Robinson has two seasons left to play and has committed to Florida State, marking another significant loss for USC.
4. Miller Moss, QB
Another notable departure is Miller Moss, who served as USC’s starting quarterback in 2024. A four-star recruit in 2021, Moss had a rocky start, redshirting his freshman year before gradually earning playing time. Over his career, he amassed 3,469 passing yards and 27 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
After taking the reins as the starter, Moss has opted to transfer to Louisville for his final year of eligibility. His exit raises questions about USC’s quarterback situation moving forward.
5. Mason Murphy, OT
Finally, we have Mason Murphy, who spent four seasons with the Trojans and emerged as the starting right tackle in 2024. Murphy’s versatility allowed him to play both tackle and guard, and he still has one season of eligibility left after redshirting in 2021.
He has chosen to continue his career at Auburn, which faced its own struggles this past season. Murphy’s departure further complicates USC’s offensive line situation as they look to rebuild.
Impact on USC’s Future
The mass exodus of talent from USC raises critical questions about the program’s direction. With key players like Branch, Alexander, Robinson, Moss, and Murphy leaving, the Trojans will need to focus on recruiting and developing new talent to fill these gaps. The loss of such high-caliber athletes could have lasting effects on the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding Coach Lincoln Riley’s future adds another layer of complexity. Will he stay and rebuild, or is he considering other opportunities? The answers to these questions could significantly impact USC’s ability to attract new recruits and retain existing talent.
What’s Next for USC?
As USC navigates this challenging period, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how the program will respond. The transfer portal has become a double-edged sword, offering opportunities for players to find new homes while simultaneously creating voids in established programs.
USC must act swiftly to address these losses. This includes not only scouting and recruiting fresh talent but also ensuring that the remaining players feel supported and motivated to stay. The Trojans have a storied history and a passionate fan base, and they will need to rally together to overcome this tumultuous chapter.
What do you think of USC’s massive portal losses? Share your thoughts on the program’s future in the comments below!
