USC QB Alum Matt Cassel Reflects on Former Trojans QB Transfer Journey

Former USC QB talks transfer journey of another former Trojans QB

The USC Trojans have produced some of the best talent we have ever graced the football field. From guys like Marcus Allen, Anthony Muñoz, Charles White, Troy Polamalu, and Lynn Swann, to name a few. 

USC has always been and will remain a hotbed for high-level talent. Although USC has had many to go in and succeed at the next level, others didn't pan out or never got their shot to shine. One player that fits the bill in that category is former USC QB Matt Cassel.

Cassel spent four seasons in cardinal red and Gold, and although he was never the permanent starting QB, he stood around and collected national championships on the way. Nowadays, that is very uncommon because of the transfer portal.

Guys want to play, and they want to play now, and the transfer portal allows them that opportunity. USC has benefited and has become the victim of the transfer portal since it blew up. 

One of the latest players they lost to the transfer portal is former USC QB JT Daniels. Daniels spent two seasons in USC before tearing his ACL, the Trojans found a new QB, and he decided to move on, and he did it again and again and again. 

Daniels will enter his sixth college season with his fourth school, attending Rice University. He's moved around a ton, similar to Cassel's career in the NFL. 

During a Pro Day workout, Cassel spoke with the media and was asked if he sees any similarity between his NFL movement and Daniels' collegiate movement. 

“That’s a great question,” Matt responds, warming up to the thought of how and why his career happened and what to make of it. And how it might affect a player like JT, who lost out on a chance to quarterback a national championship team at Georgia because of an injury.

“It can be devastating,” he says, recalling the moment

Pete Carroll

called him in “and said they were going with Leinart. But for me to be ready. And then we went out and crushed Auburn in that opener and that was it. Matt was off. When they tell you you’re the guy, that really matters.” 

(via 247Sports)

If Cassel attended college today, I'm sure he would've transferred, but that wasn't how college football worked 20 years ago. 

After Daniels tore his ACL, former USC QB Kedon Slovis took over in 2019 and threw 30 touchdowns and 3502 yards in 12 games. Overall, Daniels has struggled with injury, which is a big reason why he's moved a ton in his college career. It hasn't been pretty, but we hope he can find something at Rice.

Cassel is no stranger to moving around as well. During 15 year NFL career, he spent it with seven different times, and when needed, he stepped up and performed in a big way. 

The kid from the Valley was an ultimate professional and knew what he brought to a team. If Daniels wants a long career at the next level, he might want to take a page out of Cassel's book. 

Nonetheless, we wish Daniels the best and hope he can stay healthy in 2023.