The USC Trojans have been actively working to strengthen their defense, both through the transfer portal and recruiting, following the departure of several players.
Most recently, the Trojans secured a commitment from UCF Knights transfer defensive back Chasen Johnson. Johnson, a three-star transfer ranked as the No. 811 player nationally and the No. 94 cornerback, initially entered the portal in the winter and committed to SC, but later flipped to SMU before ultimately recommitting to the Trojans.
USC Trojans Land 3-Star Cornerback Transfer
On3’s Pete Nakos had predicted Johnson’s decision, stating, “Johnson seriously considered USC and SMU during his portal stint in the winter. Sources tell On3’s Steve Wiltfong and I that USC is trending to land Chasen Johnson. The UCF transfer is not expected to visit Los Angeles, and this could come together quickly.” In 2024, Johnson recorded 18 combined tackles and two passes defended, playing 452 snaps as a true freshman. He started four of the final five games and has three years of eligibility remaining.
Johnson adds valuable depth to the defensive back position, where he will join a group that includes other transfer additions. Defensive backs coach Doug Belk, who heavily recruited Johnson in the winter and again during his second portal stint, has been instrumental in these efforts. A notable incoming transfer is cornerback DJ Harvey from San Jose State.
Harvey is expected to contend for a starting role in 2025 alongside returning cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson. In 2024, Harvey tallied 58 total tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and six passes defended, including four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). Nicholson recorded 27 combined tackles and five passes defended in 2024. Returning cornerback Prophet Brown is projected to start at nickel, having finished the 2024 season with 11 combined tackles and one pass defended.
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While USC has a solid group of backups, the addition of Johnson, with his three years of remaining eligibility, further enhances the potential for a strong Trojans defense for years to come.
However, it’s worth noting that the Trojans overall transfer portal activity has been mixed. According to On3 Transfer Portal rankings, USC is currently ranked No. 60, with 15 incoming transfers compared to 26 outgoing transfers. The Trojans have brought in three four-star transfers but lost five, and added 12 three-star transfers while losing 21.
Looking ahead, USC is also bolstering its defense through high school recruiting. The 2026 recruiting class includes commitments from five-star cornerback RJ Sermons and four-star cornerbacks Elbert Hill and Brandon Lockhart.
By combining strategic additions through the transfer portal with strong recruiting efforts, the USC Trojans are aiming to build a dominant defense for the foreseeable future.