Bear Alexander: Will USC football land defensive lineman in transfer portal?

Alexander recorded a sack in the national championship game last season

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that University of Georgia defensive lineman Bear Alexander plans to enter the transfer portal. 

Right away, Alexander was linked to USC.

Watch #USC here…. https://t.co/BYbk7LaRrm

— Rusty Mansell (@RustyMansell_) April 15, 2023

Alexander played in 12 of Georgia's 15 games as a true freshman. He made nine tackles, with three coming for loss. Alexander also recorded two sacks, two pass breakups and 13 quarterback hurries. One of the sacks came against TCU in Georgia's dominating national title game victory.

Coming out of IMG Academy in the class of 2022, Alexander was ranked as the No. 50 prospect nationally in the 247Sports.com composite. Texas A&M was viewed as the favorite to land the 6-foot-3, 305 pound defensive tackle, but ultimately Georgia locked down his signature.

So why is USC being so heavily linked with Alexander right now?

Alexander's guardian, Tony Jones, posted on his Instagram story that he attended USC's spring game on Saturday.

Additionally, USC's Executive Director of Recruiting, Annie Hanson, follows Alexander on Twitter. So does assistant coach Donte Williams, assistant coach Josh Henson, and Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Player Relations Gavin Morris. 

There is clearly a mutual interest between Alexander's camp and USC. Plus, the Trojans have a clear need on the interior of their defensive line.

During the spring game, Purdue transfer Jack Sullivan and Arizona transfer Kyon Barrs started on the inside of the defensive line. After only a couple months of spring ball, those two moved ahead on the depth chart of every other USC lineman. Bringing in Alexander would add another difference maker to the position group. With a lack of impact returners, it's an obvious position of need for the Trojans. 

Once Alexander officially enters the portal, expect USC's interest to heat up even further. This is a transfer that would make sense for both parties. There's a good chance Alexander's next team is USC.

Here's 247Sports.com's scouting report on Alexander coming out of high school:

Big-bodied interior defensive lineman with college-ready size. Requisite height accompanies significant mass. Missed sophomore year (transfer rules) but returned as a junior to aid a Texas 5A D-I state championship defense. Shows encouraging get-off quickness relative to size, as well as pursuit ability. Physical at the point of attack with expected play strength. Punchy and shows stack-and-shed ability vs. the run. Plays inside in a four-man front and is likely capable of fitting even or odd looks. Can expand move set and technical nuance. Balance and body control can also get better when engaged and in pursuit. Legitimate high-major interior defensive lineman who could become impact starter in college with potential to reach the pro level.