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USC Trojans' Bear Alexander Visiting Georgia Bulldogs: Transfer Portal?

USC Trojans defensive lineman Bear Alexander is visiting his familiar Georgia Bulldogs stomping grounds. Alexander posted a photo in Athens, Georgia. Alexander is still on the Trojans roster and has not made public a decision to enter the transfer portal. Alexander did inform USC coach Lincoln Riley that he will redshirt this season, effectively ending his 2024 season.

Bri Amaranthus

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Bear Alexander (99) celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Bear Alexander (99) celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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USC Trojans defensive lineman Bear Alexander is still on the Trojans roster and has not made public a decision to enter the transfer portal. However, Alexander did inform USC coach Lincoln Riley that he will redshirt this season, effectively ending his 2024 season.

And now, Alexander is visiting his familiar Georgia Bulldogs stomping grounds. Alexander posted a photo in Athens, Georgia. Alexander is a third-year player who spent his freshman season at Georgia, before transferring to USC ahead of the 2023 football season.

Alexander was the No. 2 defensive tackle and No. 9 prospect overall in 2022 recruiting class.

Initially committed to coach Kirby Smart and Georgia, during his freshman season Alexander totaled nine tackles and two sacks. After transferring to the Trojans, Alexander improved to 47 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in his sophomore season, starting all 13 games in 2023. In 2024, Alexander has recorded just four tackles and has been in a backup role for USC.

By redshirting, Alexander has two seasons remaining. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle would surely have many options in the transfer portal.

If Alexander does transfer to a school other than Georgia, it will be his third different college football program in four years. Alexander also went to four different high schools in four years (Terrell High School in Texas, Skyline High School in Texas, Denton High School in Texas, IMG Academy in Florida).

Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley greets quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) after scoring a touchdown against
Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley greets quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Riley made is clear that doesn’t like the current NCAA football redshirt rules, in reference to the redshirt situations with Alexander and Raesjon Davis.

“As long as you have (the current redshirt rules), you’re going to have situations like this,” Riley said. “I think guys should have five years of eligibility. Do whatever you want, play as much as you want or as little as you want, and the only way you get an extra one is if you have two season-ending injuries and miss the whole season.”

“I think it should be that plain and simple," Riley continued. "Then nobody has to worry about any of this other crap like how many games you’ve played.”

In college football, there is a 4-game limit where a player can decide if they want to redshirt or not.

While Alexander's future is undecided, it appears Georgia is in the mix to be his next destination. Kirby Smart's No. 11 Bulldogs beat the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers, 31-17, on Saturday night.

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Bri Amaranthus
BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism

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