Eight transfers weren’t quite enough for USC, so they’ve added a tight end, Tucker Ashcraft, bringing their total to nine. This transfer class is modest and notably focuses on strengthening the defense, which has been a problem area during coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure.
In contrast to a rival team that made sweeping changes by bringing in nearly half a new roster, USC didn’t need a complete overhaul. They’ve got a solid pool of returning players and the addition of one of the nation’s top high school freshman classes.
New defensive coordinator Gary Patterson will have some intriguing talent to work with as he aims to elevate the program to a College Football Playoff level, a challenge that previous coordinators Danton Lynn and Alex Grinch could not surmount.
Leading the charge is cornerback Jontez Williams, an All-Big 12 selection from Iowa State with aspirations for the Big Ten. He’ll likely play alongside either Marcells Williams or Chasen Johnson.
Also joining the mix are linebacker Deven Bryant and defensive linemen Zuraia Fisher and Alex VanSmelen, all of whom could quickly vie for starting positions.
Here are a few important observations from this class, which currently ranks 52nd in On3.com’s transfer portal standings.
Position of Power
Because the class is relatively small, only two positions saw multiple additions: defensive line and defensive back.
Williams will be teaming up in the secondary with Carrington Pierce, a transfer from Oklahoma State and younger sibling of USC safety Christian Pierce. What’s fascinating about Carrington is that he didn’t play organized football until he enrolled at Chaffey College.
In his first year in college football, he picked off three passes, earning himself a scholarship at Oklahoma State, though he didn’t see the field in 2025. With three secondary starters leaving, 2026 presents a significant opportunity for him.
Fisher and VanSmelen should significantly enhance a defensive line that struggled last season by allowing too many rushing yards. Their contributions will be crucial, especially now that defensive end Anthony Lucas has finished his eligibility.
5 Impact Players
CB Jontez Williams
Williams, the standout cornerback in the transfer portal, racked up a team-high four interceptions at Iowa State during the 2024 season. A knee injury restricted him to just five games last year, but he’s expected to be fully recovered by the start of the 2026 season.
WR Terrell Anderson
Anderson emerged as a key playmaker at North Carolina State last season, catching 39 passes for 629 yards and five touchdowns. He might quickly become a favorite target for the Trojans.
DE Zuraia Fisher
Fisher comes to USC as a seventh-year senior, having started all 11 games at Penn State last year while battling injuries. His 30 pressures were second on the team among defensive ends.
DT Alex VanSmelen
USC is in need of veteran presence in the defensive line, and VanSmelen fits the bill. He recorded 52 tackles as a starter last season, focusing on run-stopping.
LB Deven Bryant
With the departure of star linebacker Eric Gentry, Bryant has a chance to shine and become a key defensive player. He tallied 62 tackles last season at Washington, ranking third on the team.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The most unforgettable moment of USC’s 2025 season was the chaotic ending of the Alamo Bowl.
That brings us back to this transfer class. If players like Williams and others can bring the intellect and grit that have been lacking, maybe the Trojans can navigate a challenging Big Ten schedule that includes tough road games against top teams like Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State.
Ultimately, if Riley’s claim that the “arrow is pointing straight up” doesn’t prove true, it could create further complications in what’s a pivotal season.
