USC Trojans Focusing on Skill Players Via the NCAA Transfer Portal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The NCAA Transfer Portal typically gives or takes, but rarely provides a breakeven point for college football programs. For USC, the Trojans are one of the rare teams to be about 50-50 on talent leaving and newcomers arriving this offseason.
Breaking down how things have gone for the Trojans this offseason, a look at the skill position is the focus. On offense, the Trojans welcomed former 4-Star receiver K.D. Nixon (Colorado) and 3-Star target Tahj Washington (Memphis). Helping move the chains down the field is former Texas tight end Malcom Epps, a 4-Star prospect coming out of high school. Perhaps the unsung hero in the group is Washington. The freshman season turned in for the speedy slot was impressive turning 43 receptions into 743 yards with six touchdowns.
The Trojans took a heavy hit in the depth depart at tailback with starter Stephen Carr (Indiana) and Markese Stepp (Nebraska) taking off, but talent was added bringing in another Texas player, former 4-Star Keaontay Ingram. Ingram picked up 53 carries in eight games behind Bijan Robinson during the 2020 season rushing for 255 yards with one touchdown. Showing his all-purpose talents, Ingram hauled in 11 passes for 103 yards with another score going up on the board.
On the defensive side of the ball, 4-Star safeties Xavion Alford (Texas) and Chris Thompson Jr. (Auburn) help bolster the roster against Pac-12 passing attacks.
Transfers Heading to USC (7)
4-Star RB Keaontay Ingram – from Texas
4-Star WR K.D. Nixon – from Colorado
3-Star WR Tahj Washington – from Memphis
4-Star TE Malcom Epps – from Texas
4-Star DT Ishamel Soshper – from Alabama
4-Star DB Xavion Alford – from Texas
4-Star DB Chris Thompson Jr. – from Auburn
Transfers Leaving USC (7)
5-Star RB Stephen Carr – to Indiana
4-Star RB Markese Stepp – to Nebraska
4-Star DE Connor Murphy – to UNLV
4-Star DT Caleb Tremblay – to Tennessee
5-Star LB Palaie Gaoteote IV – undecided
4-Star LB Abdul-Malik McClain – to Jackson State
3-Star K Chase McGrath – to Tennessee
Photo credit: Dallas Morning News; No. 26 Keaontay Ingram