USC Football Must Aggressively Pursue Transfer Portal Targets

The NCAA’s transfer portal has officially opened, providing the University of Southern California with an unprecedented opportunity to bolster its roster and set itself up for a national championship run in 2026. In order to make a deep postseason push, head coach Lincoln Riley must prioritize acquiring veteran players who can immediately contribute to the team. One key target should be defensive end Bryan Bresee from Clemson. A dominant force on the Tigers’ front line, Bresee’s presence would instantly upgrade USC’s pass rush and defensive line depth. With his impressive athleticism and technical skills, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the Pac-12 Conference. Another highly sought-after target is wide receiver Jordan Addison of USC. Although it may seem counterintuitive to pursue a player from the same team, adding Addison would provide a boost to the Trojans’ receiving corps and create a formidable one-two punch with star quarterback Caleb Williams. With his elite speed, agility, and hands, Addison has all the makings of a top NFL wideout. A transfer portal pickup that may fly under the radar is linebacker Josh Downs from North Carolina State. A versatile defender who excels in both pass coverage and run defense, Downs would offer USC a much-needed injection of athleticism and instincts to its linebacking corps. With his ability to diagnose plays quickly and make tackles in space, he could become a key cog in Riley’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Ultimately, the key to USC’s national championship hopes lies in identifying players who can seamlessly integrate into Riley’s system and contribute immediately. By aggressively pursuing veteran transfer portal targets like Bresee, Addison, and Downs, the Trojans can set themselves up for success in 2026 and establish a strong foundation for years to come.