Should Texas Longhorns Pursue USC Trojans Transfer DT Bear Alexander?

The Texas Longhorns nearly landed Alexander last year before he signed with USC.

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Bear / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

AUSTIN - USC Trojans defensive tackle Bear Alexander is once again in the NCAA Transfer Portal, following his decision to enter and leave Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Alexander, who played for four different high schools in as many seasons as a recruit, will now move on to his third college program in three years - making it seven different programs in the last seven years once he lands at his next program.

But should the Texas Longhorns get themselves involved and pursue the talented defensive tackle?

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Bear / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Given the Longhorns' concerns with interior defensive line depth after the departures of T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy to the NFL and the loss of Trill Carter to the transfer portal, it would only make sense for Texas to look into the 6-foot-3, 325-pound run-stopper.

On paper the Horns should have a good of a chance as anyone, especially give the fact that they were finalists for Alexander before he picked USC last spring.

Yes, the Longhorns landed Tiaolalii Savea in the transfer portal, and they have young talent like Alex January, Sydir Mitchell, Aaron Bryant, and Jaray Bledsoe backing up front-line starters Vernon Broughton and Alfred Collins.

That said, heading into the SEC, there is no such thing as too much depth in the trenches, and Alexander would provide exactly that, and really give the Longhorns a solid and experienced rotation alongside Broughton, Collins, and Savea.

Despite the constant moving around, Alexander's production has never diminished. In high school, he was one of the top prospects in the country finishing his senior campaign with IMG Academy as the no. 7 defensive lineman in the country and a four-star recruit.

He also spent the first three years of his high school career in Texas, playing his junior year at Denton Ryan alongside current Longhorns Anthony Hill and Austin Jordan - helping them to win a state title in 2020.

And throughout his college career thus far, that talent has continued to show through.

Last season with USC, Alexander had 47 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and four quarterback hurries in 12 games, earning an honorable mention All-Pac 12 nod along the way. In his lone season with Georgia, Alexander had nine tackles, and two sacks, with two pass deflections, with one of those sacks coming in the Bulldogs' 65-7 national title win over TCU. 

Obviously, given Alexander's history, it would be reason to expect him to be a one-year rental for the Horns in 2024.

But considering the Horns are chasing an SEC title and College Football Playoff berth, and their need at the position, he could be just what they need to put themselves over the top in the trenches.