USC Trojans Hosting Elite Transfer Portal Cornerback Chasen Johnson From UCF

With the NCAA transfer portal officially opened, the USC Trojans are scheduling visits with numerous players. UCF Knights cornerback Chasen Johnson is set to visit with the USC Trojans among other schools.

UCF Knights defensive back Chasen Johnson / @chas7n / Instagram

The NCAA transfer portal officially opened on Dec. 9. The USC Trojans have been working hard to schedule visits with those who entered the portal. UCF transfer cornerback Chasen Johnson has scheduled a visit with the Trojans.

Johnson spent his true freshman season with the UCF Knights. The cornerback appeared in several games for UCF in 2024. He played 452 snaps as a true freshman, earning the start in four out of the final five games of the season. Johnson ended the year with 18 total tackles and two pass deflections. 

UCF finished the 2024 regular season with a 4-8 record, 13th in the Big 12. Not long after the conclusion of the regular season, Johnson announced his intent to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 2. 

UCF Knights defensive back Chasen Johnson / @chas7n / Instagram

“First off, I want to thank god for blessing me with a great freshman year, without him I am nothing,” Johnson said. “I have decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal with 4 years of eligibility left.”

Johnson was a three-star player as a recruit and is currently the No. 34 cornerback in the transfer portal, per the On3 Industry Comparison. Though he may not be the top defensive back in the portal, having starting experience and a couple of years of eligibility left makes him an enticing player.

MORE: USC Trojans' Duce Robinson Enters Transfer Portal: Georgia Bulldogs, SEC Destination?

MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Miller Moss Transfer Portal Destinations Missouri, Louisville

MORE: Is Transfer Portal Exposing An Irreversible Problem With USC Trojans, Lincoln Riley?

In addition to a scheduled visit with the USC Trojans, Johnson is visiting the Baylor Bears, South Carolina Gamecocks, SMU Mustangs, and Auburn Tigers. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Miami Hurricanes will be two teams to watch for, though visits have not been scheduled.

The South Carolina Gamecocks showed interest in Johnson as a recruit and the SMU Mustangs are heavily seeking a cornerback to come in next year and make an immediate impact. If USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans want Johnson, they have some competition.

Having four years left of eligibility and starting experience makes Johnson a decent target for the Trojans. Johnson may not take long to announce where he will play in 2025. Not long after announcing his intentions to enter the transfer portal, Johnson posted on his X account about a final decision date. 

“Final decision will be made by the 15th!” Johnson’s post said.

Oct 5, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles past UCF Knights defensive back Chasen Johnson (27) and UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images / Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Though the belief is that the Trojans will be focusing more on the defensive line when it comes to the future of the defense, USC is not ignoring the defensive back position. Along with Johnson, San Jose State defensive back DJ Harvey posted on his social media that he received an offer from the USC Trojans. While USC is not targeting the top cornerbacks they are looking for valuable depth.

Riley and the USC Trojans have 14 transfer portal departures so far. The defensive players that the Trojans have lost through the Portal are defensive tackle Bear Alexander and defensive end Sam Greene. The Trojans will also have defensive players leave through declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, such as cornerback Jaylin Smith. While the cornerback position is not the team's biggest need, USC will be a team to watch for Johnson.

MORE: USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley Addresses Concerning Transfer Portal Departures

MORE: Texas A&M's Kevin Longstreet Transfer To USC Trojans To Join Quarterback, Brother Husan?

MORE: Former USC Trojans' Matt Leinart, Keyshawn Johnson React to 2025 Recruiting Class