USC defensive tackle Bear Alexander enters transfer portal, hurting Trojans’ defense

Ryan Kartje April 9, 2024

After just one season as a 300-pound wrecking ball in the middle of USCs defense, former five-star defensive tackle Bear Alexander plans to reenter the NCAA transfer portal, in search of his third school in three seasons.

Alexander appeared on track to becoming a cornerstone of USCs new defense this season as it rebuilds under new coordinator DAnton Lynn. His sophomore season was loaded with glimpses of his sky-high potential, as he recorded 48 tackles, 6 of them for a loss.

Where those plans went awry was still murky as of Tuesday. Alexander

attendedwas actually in attendance during

USCs early-morning practice, hours before word of his transfer spread.

His departure

, confirmed by a source with knowledge of the decision not authorized to discuss it publicly,

leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the Trojans’ defensive front, one that may not

beso

easily

be

filled when the transfer portal opens on

April 15 Monday

. Meanwhile, there should be no shortage of suitors lining up for Alexander, whose five-star talent is exceedingly rare to find in the portal, post-spring.

Eric Gentry excited that new USC coaches understand him: ‘Im a unique player’

Alexander, who grew up in Texas, is no stranger to starting anew at another school. He attended five different high schools and played for four different football teams, before landing at Georgia ahead of its national title run in 2022.

Alexanders guardian, Tony Jones, told The Times

in the falllast fall

that Alexander left Georgia because they could no longer trust staff members who assured Jones that hed play a major role as a sophomore. When Alexander wasnt the clear-cut starter, Jones said he felt betrayed.

If I cant trust you with what you say, Im out, Jones said. Thats what it got to [at Georgia.]

Alexander immediately stepped into an impact role at USC upon his arrival last April. But a year later, hes stepping back into the transfer portal, in search of something else.