The 2026 NBA Draft came and went this week, and once again, the USC Trojans found themselves without a player hearing their name called. But before you start thinking this is a sign of trouble, let's dig a little deeper into why this might not be such a bad thing for the Trojans.
Three of USC's top talents-Rodney Rice, Jacob Cofie, and Alijah Arenas-decided to take a pass on the draft and instead, return to the college court for another season. It's a move that speaks volumes about their commitment to both their development and the Trojans' program. These players are gearing up for what could be a pivotal season for USC, aiming to make a significant impact on the college basketball landscape.
Interestingly, the Trojans' women's basketball team found themselves in a similar position earlier this year. With their top players also opting to stay, the WNBA Draft didn't feature any names from USC. This decision by both the men's and women's teams could set the stage for a powerhouse season for the Trojans on both fronts.
Now, let's talk about Chad Baker-Mazara. His story took a different turn.
A promising season was cut short by a midseason exit from the program, a move that dashed his hopes of hearing his name in the draft. It's a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the world of sports.
As the dust settles on the draft, USC's focus shifts to the upcoming 2026-2027 season. With a roster stacked with returning talent, the Trojans have a golden opportunity to make waves next year.
A strong campaign could very well set the stage for multiple players to make their mark in the 2027 NBA Draft. It's all about seizing the moment, and for USC, that moment is right on the horizon.
In Other News...
Indiana Just Lost Another Experienced Arm To The Portal
USC kept adding to its pitching mix this offseason with another veteran arm, a move that should matter for a staff looking to keep building on back-to-back NCAA Tournament trips. The Trojans are trying to push deeper in 2027, and experience has been a clear priority as they piece together a roster that can handle the grind of a full season and give them more options on the mound.
Anthony Gubitosi arrives after stops at Delaware and Indiana, giving USC a left-handed option with a lot of college baseball behind him already. He spent last season in Indianas bullpen, where he was used in a limited role, and now gets a fresh start in Los Angeles for his fifth collegiate season as the Trojans continue to reshape the pitching staff. [Read more 🡒]
USC Freshman Elbert Hill Is Already Testing A Familiar Trojans Narrative
USC spent plenty of energy building out its cornerback future in the 2026 cycle, and Elbert Rock Hill is already looking like the most interesting piece of that plan. The freshman arrived with the kind of reputation that makes coaches pay attention, and he has backed it up quickly in spring practice, where his athleticism and knack for making plays have stood out in a crowded defensive backs room.
That room is no soft landing, either, with veterans and other highly regarded recruits all pushing for snaps when the season arrives. Still, USC has not hidden its preference for getting freshmen on the field early rather than parking them for a redshirt year, and Hills fast start is giving the program another familiar Trojans storyline to monitor: whether a gifted young corner can force his way into the rotation sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]
USCs 2026 Schedule Has An Uncomfortable Transfer Portal Twist
USCs 2026 football schedule already had the usual road-test intrigue, but it comes with an added layer of familiarity that will make a few Saturdays feel a little more personal. Several former Trojans are set to show up on the other sideline, creating a tour of recent roster departures that stretches across the fall and turns nonconference and Big Ten games into reunion opportunities.
The list includes Deijon Laffitte and Gino Quinones with Fresno State, Bear Alexander with Oregon, Kade Eldridge with Washington, Bryan Jackson with Wisconsin and Harry Dalton III with Maryland. For USC, it is the kind of reminder that the transfer portal can reshape a roster quickly, and also the kind of schedule wrinkle that can leave an old fan favorite or two in line for an awkward welcome back. [Read more 🡒]