"Not a smart decision": CFB world trolls USC as Lincoln Riley bags Kentucky transfer, Trojan fans come to rescue 

USC has added another player to its roster through the transfer portal, securing Kentucky defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver. The 6-foot-4, 336-pound native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, chose the Trojans over several other prominent programs, including Florida, Miami and Michigan, according to On3's Pete Nakos on Thursday.

With the Wildcats for two seasons after two seasons at North Carolina, Silver recorded a career-high 26 tackles and his first sack during the 2024 season. Over his college career, he has appeared in 30 games, starting 23. Now heading to USC as a redshirt junior, Silver has one season of eligibility remaining and brings both experience and promise to the Trojans’ defensive line.

A versatile nose guard, Silver played a key role for Kentucky, stepping up when injuries impacted the team’s depth. In two seasons, he tallied 43 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack, showcasing his ability to anchor the trenches.

Before committing to USC, Silver visited other top programs and considered a return to North Carolina. Ultimately, he chose Los Angeles, a decision that has sparked the interest of rival fans from South Carolina:

“Not a smart decision, young man.”

Another added, “Should’ve came to the real USC.”

Some fans are thrilled with the acquisition, seeing it as a step forward for the team. And did not want other fanbases to take away from USC's win:

While other fans were enjoying the surprising win under Lincoln Riley:

“A win for USC, never thought it would happen, lmao,” one fan wrote.

“We are quite literally back,” an excited fan mentioned.

Another enthusiastically posted, “LFG!!! Let’s quiet the haters in a week and go into the offseason ready to prove the doubters wrong.”

The Trojans’ struggles on defense this season, particularly their inability to generate sacks (ranking 90th in FBS with only 20 as a team), make Silver’s addition a vital boost. However, the challenges ahead for Lincoln Riley’s squad remain substantial.

Lincoln Riley on transfer portal challenges

With 19 players leaving USC following a disappointing season. Lincoln Riley views this as part of the evolving landscape of college football.

“It’s just kind of the new world that we live in,” Riley said. “The reality is you’re going to go through some transfers coming in, and you’re going to have people exit your program. It’s just part of the world. So, I’ve learned to not really carry emotion with it. A lot of these are business decisions on both sides.”

USC’s roster has seen significant turnover, including key departures from defensive players like Elijah Hughes, Bear Alexander and Zion Branch. Additionally, the Trojans’ receiving corps has been hit hard, with Kyron Hudson, Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch entering the portal.

With Silver’s addition, Riley aims to rebuild an inconsistent defense. As USC prepares for its next season, the hope is that transfers like Silver will help the Trojans overcome recent struggles and regain their competitive edge.