USC football: 2023 transfer class superlatives

The Trojans added 12 impact players during the first transfer portal window

USC currently has the No. 3 ranked 2023 transfer portal recruiting class, per 247Sports.com. The Trojans added 12 impact players during the first portal window. Let's hand out some superlatives.

Best Get: WR Dorian Singer

Singer absolutely cooked USC when the Trojans beat Arizona 45-37 last season. He caught seven passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns. There's a strong case to be made that Singer will be USC's best wide receiver next season despite the fact that wideout is the Trojans' deepest position group. Expectations will be sky high for the junior receiver. 

Most Needed: LB Mason Cobb

Shane Lee and Eric Gentry played the most snaps out of USC's linebacking corps in 2022. PFF graded the two as the 350th and 353rd ranked linebackers in the FBS out of linebackers who played at least 198 snaps. In other words, the duo really struggled. Cobb projects as a day one starter at USC — he should improve the linebacking corps immediately after being named a second team All-Big 12 selection in 2022.

Highest Ceiling: DL Anthony Lucas

Lucas was a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2022. He has the size (6-foot-6, 270 pounds) and ability to play a number of different positions. It's a lofty, lofty ceiling, but Lucas has the potential to replace Tuli Tuipulotu as a versatile edge defender for the Trojans. Out of all of USC's transfer additions, Lucas' ceiling is the highest.  

Super Sleeper: DL Jack Sullivan

Sullivan isn't the sexiest addition out of USC's portal gets, but he may end up being the most consistent. Over the last four seasons at Purdue, Sullivan has played in every game for the Boilermakers. He has a track record of staying healthy, plus he produces. Last season, Sullivan made 38 tackles with seven coming for loss. 

Biggest luxury addition: RB MarShawn Lloyd

With tailbacks Austin Jones, Raleek Brown and Darwin Barlow returning, plus USC adding two RB's in its 2023 high school recruiting class, did the Trojans really need to bring in Lloyd? Probably not. Just because USC is deep at running back doesn't mean Lloyd won't play a role though. He saw action in nine games with eight starts at South Carolina last season rushing for 573 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Lloyd is the No. 1 running back in the 247Sports Transfer Rankings and a former top 100 recruit in the 2020 recruiting cycle. He's capable of having a monster 2023 season. 

Most strengthened position group: Offensive Line

USC brought in three offensive linemen from the portal and they all project as starters. 

Of course, a lot can change before the season kicks off, but as it currently stands, expect Washington State transfer Jarrett Kingston to start at left tackle, Florida transfer Ethan White to start at left guard, Justin Dedich to play center, Jonah Monheim to play right guard and Florida transfer Michael Tarquin to play right tackle.