USC Trojans Transfer Portal Targets: Lincoln Riley Looking For A Quarterback?

The transfer portal opens on Monday, and USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley only has scholarship quarterbacks slated to be on the roster for 2025. The Trojans are expected dive into the transfer portal after the departure of quarterback Miller Moss.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley leaves the field after the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans have a bit of a depth issue at the quarterback position going into the offseason, and the transfer portal offers a perfect opportunity for USC coach Lincoln Riley. After the departure of Miller Moss to the transfer portal after it officially opened on Monday, the Trojans might look to add some depth to the quarterback room through the portal.

Only incoming freshman Husan Longstreet and projected starter Jayden Maiava are slated to be the only scholarship quarterbacks on USC's roster. Despite only having two quarterbacks, it could be tough to convince an experienced quarterback to sit behind Maiava and compete with Longstreet for the potential starting job. However, Riley's pedigree at coaching the position is typically enough to attract some of the country's best quarterbacks.

1. Jaylen Henderson - Texas A&M

Nov 11, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Jaylen Henderson (16) warming up prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas A&M transfer Jaylen Henderson would be a good option for the Trojans. He is a local product with experience in the SEC. Henderson spent two years in College Station and a year at Fresno State prior to that. He hails from Chaminade High School in West Hills, not too far from USC. During the 2023-24 season, Henderson made three starts, throwing 715 passing yards and six touchdowns while completing 67.9% of his passes. He tacked on 104 rushing yards on 41 carries with two touchdowns on the ground. With his dual-threat ability, he could fit right into what Riley likes to do offensively.

2. Devin Brown - Ohio State

Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown (33) throws a pass during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State transfer Devin Brown is another intriguing option out of the portal for USC. Brown was committed to the Trojans before flipping to Ohio State when Riley came into the fold three years ago. In his three seasons at Ohio State, Brown has thrown for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Brown may also be looking to come back closer to home. He has the talent to play and would be a recruiting coupe if the Trojans are able to nab him. He prepped for three years at Queen Creek in Arizona before playing his senior season at Corner Canyon in Utah.

3. Matthew Sluka - UNLV

Sep 13, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) runs the ball against Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Dean Miller (45) and cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) during the first half at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

This one may come as a surpise. UNLV transfer Matthew Sluka has been one of the more controversial players this season due to his decision to leave UNLV because of an alleged lack of NIL payments. At USC, Sluka should have no problem with NIL funds, but wouldn't be stepping into a favorable situation for playing time. Sluka is heading into his sixth year of eligibility and would offer a veteran presence in the quarterback room. In his lone season at UNLV, He threw for 618 yards and six touchdowns and led the to a 3-0 start before withdrawing from the team.

MORE: USC Trojans Bowl Game Prediction: Las Vegas Bowl vs. Texas A&M Aggies?

MORE: USC Trojans Transfer Quarterback Miller Moss To Visit Missouri, Louisville

MORE: USC Trojans Receiver Kyron Hudson To Enter Transfer Portal: Oregon Ducks Next?

MORE: USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley Shuts Down Other Jobs, UCF Knights: 'I'm Home'

MORE: Jahkeem Stewart Signs With USC Trojans Over LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks: USC Recruiting

MORE: Why Jadon Perlotte Signed With Tennessee Volunteers Over USC Trojans: Recruiting Flip

MORE: USC Trojans Flip Four-Star Safety Alex Graham From Colorado Buffaloes

MORE: USC Trojans Land Top-10 Recruiting Class? Early National Signing Day Tracker

MORE: USC Trojans Offensive Lineman Gino Quinones Enters Transfer Portal

MORE: USC Trojans' Matt Entz Raves About Freshman Linebacker Desman Stephens II's Potential