With Gary Patterson in tow, Trojans load up on defense through portal

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: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 bol...