USC is coming off of one of the worst seasons in program history. The Trojans finished 4-8, fired Head Coach Clay Helton, and suffered multiple embarrassing losses at home. However, the program has responded by having the best off-season of any team in the country, giving the Trojan faithful plenty of hope for the future. USC managed to lure Oklahoma Head Coach Lincoln Riley away from the Sooners, and Riley went to work almost immediately. The Trojans now have the top ranked transfer class of 2022. Here is a look at the top 10 weapons USC added via the transfer portal.

10. Terrell Bynum: WR, Washington

Terrell Bynum, a former 3 star recruit from Washington, adds much needed depth to the receiving core. Bynum caught 26 passes for 436 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Huskies in 2021. Washington’s offense was anemic for most of the 2021 season, so it is possible Bynum’s potential was stifled by the lackluster unit. The 6’1, 190 pound receiver from Long Beach, CA will get a fresh start at USC, as the Trojans bolster their receiving core at the expense of a PAC 12 rival.

9. Bobby Haskins: OT, Virginia

Offensive line has been an area of concern for USC the last few seasons. The addition of Bobby Haskins will hopefully alleviate some of those concerns. Haskins is a senior who comes in at 6’7, 280 pounds, and will look to compete for a starting role day 1. The Trojan offensive line has been somewhat undersized as of late, so adding the big bruiser out of Virginia will certainly be a boost for a struggling unit.

8. Romello Height: LB, Auburn

Grabbing a transfer from the SEC is always a big win for any program. Romello Height is a 6’3, 214 pound edge rusher who can bolster an undersized and largely unproductive front 7. USC gave up 30 or more points in 8 of their 12 games last season, so the defense can use all the help it can get. Adding a pass rusher with tons of potential and good size will immediately improve one of the worst defenses in the PAC 12.

7. Latrell McCutchin: CB, Oklahoma

Former 4 star recruit Latrell McCutchin made the decision to follow Lincoln Riley from Norman to LA. While McCutchin is slightly undersized at 6’1, 185 pounds, there are plenty of openings in the Trojan secondary he can fill. McCutchin offers versatility, as he can play slot corner as well as line up on the outside, so expect him to see significant playing time in 2022.

6. Austin Jones: RB, Stanford

Jones is one of the most experienced transfers to join USC this off-season. He has 278 career carries at Stanford for 1,155 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jones is a junior, so he could potentially play 2 seasons in the cardinal and gold. In addition to bolstering the Trojan’s running back room, it is also a big blow to Stanford, who lose one of their best running backs to a conference rival.

5. Brenden Rice: WR, Colorado

Son of legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice, Brendan Rice made the decision to leave Colorado for USC. Rice had 21 catches for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns in limited playing time for the Buffaloes in 2021. Once again, Riley dealt a blow to a PAC 12 rival, as Rice may be primed for a breakout season given the proper opportunity. Look for him to develop into a number 2 receiver by the end of the year.

4. Shane Lee: LB, Alabama

Shane Lee could potentially end up being a massive addition to the USC roster. Lee had 86 tackles his freshman year at Alabama before tearing his ACL. Despite his successful freshman campaign, Lee never got another chance with the Crimson Tide following his injury, leading to his transfer. The 6’0 tall, 240 pound inside linebacker is a staunch run stopper, and could end up being the captain of Alex Grinch’s defense week one. If Lee can return to his old form, USC will have a monster in the middle of their defense for the first time in a long time.

3. Mario Williams: WR, Oklahoma

Mario Williams was one of the first Oklahoma players to follow his old head coach to LA. The former 4 star recruit tallied 35 catches for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns his freshman year with the Sooners, and knows the offense inside and out. Williams will now have the chance to become the number 1 receiver at a school known for producing NFL pass catchers. Look for the speedy wideout to be featured prominently in Lincoln Riley’s offense.

2. Travis Dye: RB, Oregon

In one of the more surprising transfers of the year, Travis Dye decided to leave his role as Oregon’s featured running back to play his final season at USC. Dye led the PAC 12 in total yardage last year, rushing for 1,271 yards while adding 402 receiving yards. The workhorse back found the end zone 16 times on the ground, and averaged 6 yards per carry. Dye will likely be the number 1 running back in 2022, with Austin Jones and incoming freshman Raleek Brown cycling in as well. Dye is major addition to a team in sore need of a star running back, and will fit perfectly into Lincoln Riley’s offensive scheme.

1. Caleb Williams: QB, Oklahoma

The crown jewel of the transfer portal. After USC lost quarterbacks Kedon Slovis and Jaxson Dart to the transfer portal, the Trojans only had one QB on the roster. Enter former 5 star recruit and number 1 ranked player in the transfer portal Caleb Williams. The true freshman QB took over the starting duties at Oklahoma in week 5, and guided the Sooners to a 5-2 record and an Alamo Bowl victory. Williams threw for 21 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions his freshman year, and will be on the short list of Heisman favorites going into the season. He will almost certainly be the opening day starter, as he knows the offense and has proven he can get the job done in big moments. Caleb Williams will be the one to lead USC into a new era.

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