USC football targets defense in nine-man transfer portal class

Eight wasn’t enough, so USC went and signed a tight end.

The late addition of Tucker Ashcraft gave the Trojans nine transfers, completing a modest class that leaned heavily toward defensive players. That should come as no surprise given that it’s the side of the ball that has struggled most in coach Lincoln Riley’s four seasons.

Unlike the team across town, which basically imported half a roster, there was no need for such a heavy makeover considering USC’s number of returners and the arrival of the nation’s top-ranked high school recruiting class.

But new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson will have some intriguing newcomers to work with as he tries to succeed at a level that predecessors D’Anton Lynn and Alex Grinch couldn’t in failing to help the Trojans reach the College Football Playoff.

The headliner is cornerback Jontez Williams, a former All-Big 12 Conference selection at Iowa State who has similar aspirations in the Big Ten. He’ll likely start alongside either Marcelles Williams or Chasen Johnson.

Linebacker Deven Bryant and defensive linemen Zuriah Fisher and Alex VanSumeren could also immediately challenge for starting roles.

Here are the top takeaways from a class that stands at No. 52 nationally in the On3.com transfer portal rankings:

What were the positions of strength?

Considering the limited size of the class, there were only two positions — defensive line and defensive back — featuring multiple players.

Williams will be joined in the secondary by Carrington Pierce, an Oklahoma State transfer who is the brother of USC safety Christian Pierce. Carrington is a fascinating story in that he had never played organized football before enrolling at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga.

In his first college season, Carrington intercepted three passes. That earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma State, where he didn’t play in 2025. But with USC needing to replace three starters in the secondary, there should be ample opportunity in 2026.

Fisher and VanSumeren should significantly bolster a defensive line that got pushed around way too much last season and gave up far too many rushing yards. Their contributions will be especially critical with defensive end Anthony Lucas having exhausted his eligibility.

Five impact players

CB Jontez Williams

The top cornerback in the transfer portal, Williams finished the 2024 season with a team-high four interceptions at Iowa State. He was limited to five games by a knee injury last season but should be fully recovered before the 2026 opener.

WR Terrell Anderson

Emerging as a top playmaker last season at NC State, Anderson caught 39 passes for 629 yards and five touchdowns. He could immediately be a go-to guy for the Trojans.

DE Zuriah Fisher

Joining the Trojans as a seventh-year senior, Fisher started all 11 games he played for Penn State last season while pushing through injuries. His 30 pressures ranked second on the team among defensive ends.

DT Alex VanSumeren

Adding veteran experience on the interior of USC’s defensive line was a must, and VanSumeren should fill that need nicely. Thriving as a run plugger, he made 52 tackles as a starter last season.

LB Deven Bryant

With the Trojans losing star linebacker Eric Gentry, Bryant has an immediate chance to become a top playmaker. His 62 tackles last season at Washington ranked third on the team.

How does this class position USC for the 2026 season?

The lasting image of the Trojans’ 2025 season was the slapstick play at the end of the Alamo Bowl.

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With TCU facing third-and-20, four missed tackles practically gifted the Horned Frogs the winning touchdown in overtime, sealing Riley’s latest disappointing season.

That’s where USC’s transfer class comes in. 

If Williams & Co. can give Patterson at least a sprinkling of the savvy and toughness that’s been missing, then maybe the Trojans can handle a Big Ten schedule that includes defending national champion Indiana plus fellow CFP participants Ohio State and Oregon as well as a road game against Penn State.

That’s about the only way that Riley’s contention that “the arrow is pointing straight up” won’t backfire in what will be a pivotal season for the besieged coach.