The USC Trojans didn’t make the loudest splash in the transfer portal this offseason - but they may have made one of the smartest. While some Big Ten programs opted for volume, USC zeroed in on quality, and it’s a strategy that could pay off in a big way as the Trojans prepare for their first full season in the Big Ten.
Despite landing outside the top 40 nationally in overall transfer class rankings, USC managed to secure two of the top 10 players in On3’s Big Ten Transfer Portal Commitments rankings - tying for the most among any program in the conference. That kind of efficiency speaks to a deliberate, disciplined approach under head coach Lincoln Riley and new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
Two Headliners, One Clear Message
USC’s transfer class might be small - fewer than 10 new faces - but it’s headlined by two players who could step in and contribute immediately:
No. 3 overall: Cornerback Jontez Williams (Iowa State)
Williams isn’t just the top-ranked cornerback in the portal - he’s the kind of player who can transform a secondary.
With USC transitioning to Patterson’s aggressive 4-2-5 scheme, Williams projects as the Trojans’ CB1 from day one. He brings Big 12 battle-tested experience and a skill set built for the physicality of Big Ten play.
While he may be limited in spring due to health concerns, all signs point to him being full-go by fall. If he’s right, USC just landed a lockdown corner with the instincts and athleticism to thrive in Patterson’s system.
No. 9 overall: Wide Receiver Terrell Anderson (NC State)
Anderson comes in as a steadying force in a young but talented receiver room.
With rising stars like TAnook Hines and a crop of promising freshmen, the Trojans needed a veteran who could contribute on the field and in the locker room. Anderson checks both boxes.
He’s a proven producer from the ACC who brings size, route discipline, and a reliable set of hands - exactly what you want when breaking in a new quarterback or trying to stabilize an offense in transition. He’s not just a plug-and-play starter; he’s a tone-setter.
Building Around the Scheme
Beyond the headline names, USC added a handful of players who fit what Patterson is trying to build on defense - a fast, physical unit that can handle the grind of Big Ten football.
Defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren (Michigan State) brings toughness and gap integrity to the interior. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective - a run-stopper who can anchor the middle and free up linebackers to make plays.
Linebacker Deven Bryant (Washington) adds depth and physicality to a second level that already includes Jadyn Walker and Desman Stephens. Bryant may not start right away, but he’s the kind of rotational piece that can keep the unit fresh and competitive over a long season.
This wasn’t about chasing every big name in the portal. It was about identifying the right pieces - guys who fit the scheme, fill a need, and bring the kind of experience that translates immediately.
A Calculated Approach in a New Era
In today’s transfer portal era, it’s easy to get caught up in the arms race - stockpiling talent just to keep up with the Joneses. But USC took a different route. While programs like Oregon, Michigan, and Indiana made headlines with splashy additions - including quarterbacks like Dylan Riola and Josh Hoover - the Trojans focused on fit and function.
Yes, they missed on a few targets, including receiver Nick Marsh, who ended up at Indiana. But the broader message from USC is clear: they trust the core they have. This portal cycle wasn’t about a rebuild; it was about refinement.
And that’s what makes this class so intriguing. With the Big Ten gauntlet looming, USC didn’t panic.
They didn’t chase numbers. They found proven players who can elevate the floor and raise the ceiling - especially on the defensive side of the ball, where improvement is non-negotiable.
What Comes Next
As spring ball approaches, all eyes will be on how these additions integrate. Williams could become the face of a revamped secondary, while Anderson has a chance to be the Trojans’ most dependable target from day one. And if guys like VanSumeren and Bryant can solidify the defensive depth chart, USC will be in a much better position to compete in Year 1 of Big Ten play.
This wasn’t a flashy haul. But it was a focused one - and in a conference where every matchup is a slugfest, that kind of roster discipline might be exactly what USC needs.