USC Transfer Portal Analysis: Top 5 Trojans who've left Lincoln Riley for other teams

Few teams have been hit as hard in the transfer portal as USC. Maybe it was the 6-6 regular season, or the rumors that said coach Lincoln Riley is looking elsewhere and considering his next job. But for whatever reason, a veritable deluge of talent has left or is leaving USC. Here are the five best Trojans who have opted into the transfer portal.

5 top USC players who entered the portal

Riley and QB Miller Moss have also parted ways now in the transfer portal. (Photo Credits: IMAGN)

5. Mason Murphy, OT

Murphy spent four seasons at USC. He developed into the Trojans' starting right tackle in 2024. Murphy played both tackle and guard in 2023. He did redshirt in 2021, which is why he still has a remaining season of eligibility. Murphy has chosen Auburn for his next collegiate stop. The 5-7 Tigers had an even worse season than USC did this year.

4. Miller Moss, QB

Moss was USC's starting QB in 2024. He was a four-star recruit in 2021. Moss redshirted after playing a few snaps in his freshman season. In 2022 and 2023, he saw some action off the bench before taking over the starting job this year. In total, Moss has thrown for 3,469 yards and 27 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He's chosen Louisville for his remaining year of eligibility.

3. Duce Robinson, WR

Robinson was a five-star recruit as the nation's top tight end prospect in 2023. His 6-foot-6 size accounts for the position note, as Robinson has been a receiver at USC. Robinson saw his role grow from 16 catches in 2023 to 23 catches in 2024. In total, he had 39 catches for 747 yards and seven touchdowns. His 19.2 yards per catch hints at his future potential.

Robinson has two seasons left to play and has elected to transfer to Florida State. College football doesn't have a ton of receivers with the size and ball skills of Robinson. He needs to work a bit to finish his skills, but he's a significant loss for USC.

2. Bear Alexander, DL

Alexander was a four-star recruit who grew up in Texas. He attended four high schools in four years and has now picked his third college. Alexander chose Georgia out of high school. As a reserve, he had nine tackles, including three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks in 2022.

He transferred to USC, where he had a big 2023 season. Alexander had 48 tackles and seven tackles for loss in 2023. He opted out early in the 2024 season, playing in just three games. Alexander has two seasons of eligibility left and has chosen to transfer to Oregon.

1. Zachariah Branch, WR

Branch was the top 2023 wide receiver prospect in the nation. At only 5-foot-10, his game breaking speed was key. Branch returned kicks in 2023 for USC, as well as catching 31 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns. He returned a kick and a punt for touchdown.

In 2024, Branch had a bigger role as a wideout, catching 47 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown. He still returned punts but only returned a few kickoffs. Regardless, he has now headed out of town, but his final choice for his two remaining years of eligibility has not been rendered.

What do you think of USC's massive portal losses? Share your take on the program below in our comments section!