Eight wasn’t sufficient, so USC went and signed a decent finish.
The late addition of Tucker Ashcraft gave the Trojans 9 transfers, finishing a modest class that leaned closely towards defensive gamers. That ought to come as no shock on condition that it’s the facet of the ball that has struggled most in coach Lincoln Riley’s 4 seasons.
Unlike the workforce throughout city, which mainly imported half a roster, there was no want for such a heavy makeover contemplating USC’s variety of returners and the arrival of the nation’s top-ranked highschool recruiting class.
But new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson can have some intriguing newcomers to work with as he tries to succeed at a degree that predecessors D’Anton Lynn and Alex Grinch couldn’t in failing to assist the Trojans attain the College Football Playoff.
Gary Patterson will take on the function of USC’s defensive coordinator subsequent season. AP
The headliner is cornerback Jontez Williams, a former All-Big 12 Conference choice at Iowa State who has related aspirations in the Big Ten. He’ll seemingly begin alongside both Marcelles Williams or Chasen Johnson.
Linebacker Deven Bryant and defensive linemen Zuriah Fisher and Alex VanSumeren may additionally instantly problem for beginning roles.
Zuriah Fisher takes the sector holding a white rose. Getty Images
Here are the highest takeaways from a category that stands at No. 52 nationally in the On3.com switch portal rankings:
What have been the positions of energy?
Considering the restricted measurement of the category, there have been solely two positions — line of defense and defensive again — that includes a number of gamers.
Williams will likely be joined in the secondary by Carrington Pierce, an Oklahoma State switch who’s the brother of USC security Christian Pierce. Carrington is a captivating story in that he had by no means performed organized soccer earlier than enrolling at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga.
In his first faculty season, Carrington intercepted three passes. That earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma State, the place he didn’t play in 2025. But with USC needing to switch three starters in the secondary, there needs to be ample alternative in 2026.
Fisher and VanSumeren ought to considerably bolster a line of defense that acquired pushed round manner an excessive amount of final season and gave up far too many dashing yards. Their contributions will likely be particularly crucial with defensive finish Anthony Lucas having exhausted his eligibility.
Five affect gamers
CB Jontez Williams
The high cornerback in the switch portal, Williams completed the 2024 season with a team-high 4 interceptions at Iowa State. He was restricted to 5 video games by a knee damage final season however needs to be absolutely recovered earlier than the 2026 opener.
WR Terrell Anderson
Terrell Anderson seems to be for extra yardage after the catch. Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images
Emerging as a high playmaker final season at NC State, Anderson caught 39 passes for 629 yards and 5 touchdowns. He may instantly be a go-to man for the Trojans.
DE Zuriah Fisher
Joining the Trojans as a seventh-year senior, Fisher began all 11 video games he performed for Penn State final season whereas pushing through accidents. His 30 pressures ranked second on the workforce amongst defensive ends.
DT Alex VanSumeren
Alex VanSumeren talking at a press convention. Getty Images
Adding veteran expertise on the inside of USC’s line of defense was a should, and VanSumeren ought to fill that want properly. Thriving as a run plugger, he made 52 tackles as a starter final season.
LB Deven Bryant
Deven Bryant on the sector. Getty Images
With the Trojans shedding star linebacker Eric Gentry, Bryant has an instantaneous likelihood to develop into a high playmaker. His 62 tackles final season at Washington ranked third on the workforce.
How does this class place USC for the 2026 season?
The lasting picture of the Trojans’ 2025 season was the slapstick play on the finish of the Alamo Bowl.
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With TCU dealing with third-and-20, 4 missed tackles virtually gifted the Horned Frogs the profitable landing in extra time, sealing Riley’s newest disappointing season.
That’s the place USC’s switch class comes in.
If Williams & Co. may give Patterson not less than a sprinkling of the savvy and toughness that’s been lacking, then perhaps the Trojans can deal with a Big Ten schedule that features defending nationwide champion Indiana plus fellow CFP contributors Ohio State and Oregon in addition to a highway sport towards Penn State.
That’s about the one manner that Riley’s competition that “the arrow is pointing straight up” gained’t backfire in what will likely be a pivotal season for the besieged coach.
