By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the USC Trojans
The skinny: Since Lincoln Riley’s arrival at USC, the Trojans have been a rollercoaster of portal successes and failures. Once again there were numerous notable departures and arrivals during this cycle as the Trojans attempted to reload their roster in preparation for their first season in the Big Ten. And as usual, the focus was the defense, which has been the attention of continued critiquing in recent years.
Total # entries into portal: 31
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 27
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 0
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Key losses: DB Domani Jackson (Alabama), ATH Raleek Brown (Arizona State), WR Michael Jackson III (Georgia), OL Michael Tarquin (Oklahoma), QB Malachi Nelson (Boise State), LB Tackett Curtis (Wisconsin), WR Dorian Singer (Utah), OL Jason Zandamela (Florida), WR Mario Williams (Tulane)
Key additions: RB Woody Marks (Mississippi State), DL Nate Clifton (Vanderbilt), LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (Oregon State), DB John Humphrey (UCLA), DB Kamari Ramsey (UCLA), DB Akili Arnold (Oregon State), QB Jayden Maiava (UNLV)
Final thoughts: While the offense took an obvious blow with quarterback Caleb Williams’ move to the NFL, overall the unit is still strong. USC did answer their concern at running back by adding Woody Marks and may have found their quarterback of the future with Jayden Maiava. More eyes will be on the Trojans’ defensive additions, which once again will be counted on to improve a unit that has consistently disappointed in recent years. The secondary picked up several important pieces, with Akili Arnold, John Humphrey and Kamari Ramsey all expected to contribute immediately. At linebacker, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold brings experience and productivity, while Nate Clifton should provide a jolt to the defensive line. USC does have some notable returning pieces on defense, so now the hope in Los Angeles is that these new pieces will be able to create a productive and successful unit.
