Projecting Who’s Staying and Who’s Leaving from USC After Bowl Game
Projecting Who’s Staying and Who’s Leaving from USC After Bowl Game0 of 3
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
As the clock struck zero in the Holiday Bowl, the Pac-12 chapter has officially closed on the story of USC football.
Wednesday night, USC wrapped up a disappointing 2023 campaign with a 42-28 win to the Louisville Cardinals.
And now, it’s time for the offseason.
While the program begins its transition to the Big Ten, the roster is set to undergo some significant changes. Star quarterback Caleb Williams headlines the team’s NFL-bound group, and the Trojans are dealing with several big-name players in the transfer portal.
The following sections—who’s staying, leaving and on the way—are a mix of projections and reported/confirmed plans.
Who’s Staying1 of 3
Zachariah BranchBrian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Top Young Targets
Although the reality is USC’s offense has many questions to answer, the unit has a pair of high-quality building blocks. As true freshmen, Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson both surpassed 300 receiving yards. By no means is that an eye-popping number, but Branch and Robinson should be ready for enhanced roles next season.
Bear Alexander
On the defensive side, the Trojans are headed for even more difficult conversations. Bear Alexander, a transfer from Georgia, emerged as a rare bright spot of the unit in 2023. The defensive tackle collected 44 stops with 5.5 tackles for loss during his USC debut.
Miller Moss, the Potential QB?
Given the Trojans’ recent interest in transfer quarterbacks, Miller Moss is not guaranteed the starting job. However, he’s been around the program for three seasons and dominated the Holiday Bowl with six touchdowns and 372 passing yards. Presuming he returns, Moss will return as the in-house favorite to replace Williams now that Malachi Nelson is set to transfer, too.
Who’s Leaving2 of 3
Caleb WilliamsGina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Caleb Williams
The reality is USC exits the Caleb Williams era looking back at missed opportunities. After falling painfully shy of a Pac-12 title and College Football Playoff trip in 2022, the Trojans had a frustrating 2023. Williams hasn’t announced his plans to enter the NFL draft, but expecting any other conclusion after the potential No. 1 pick skipped the Holiday Bowl is unwise.
Calen Bullock and More NFL-Bound Players
In addition to Williams, the Trojans need to replace a few more key contributors. All-American safety Calen Bullock and wide receivers Brenden Rice and Tahj Washington otherwise lead the NFL departures. Offensive tackle Jonah Monheim would be a significant loss, as well.
Outgoing Transfers
This is where the discomfort begins. Once-prized prospects in quarterback Malachi Nelson, running back Raleek Brown, edge-rusher Korey Foreman and cornerback Domani Jackson all entered the portal. Additionally, linebacker Tackett Curtis is transferring after a quality freshman year, and wideout Mario Williams is on the move again.
Who’s on the Way3 of 3
Jo’Quavious MarksJustin Ford/Getty Images
Class of 2024 Signees
It’s fair to suggest an 18th-ranked recruiting class isn’t good enough for the Trojans. Still, they signed 10 4-star players, including top-100 prospects in wideout Xavier Jordan (67th), cornerback Marcelles Williams (91st) and offensive lineman Jason Zandamela (100th).
The Arnold Stepbrothers
Oregon State is a casualty of the fracturing Pac-12, and a couple of key defenders are leaving Corvallis for Los Angeles. Star linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold paced the Beavers with 107 tackles in 2023, while safety Akili Arnold collected 60 stops and two interceptions. They should both immediately become starters for the Trojans.
More Transfers
Two other pairs of teammates are headed to USC. Running back Jo’Quavious Marks and cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson are arriving from Mississippi State, and defensive backs John Humphrey and Kamari Ramsey are making the short trip out of UCLA. Nicholson, Humphrey and Ramsey might all start alongside Arnold in the 2024 secondary.
