Malachi Nelson transfers to Boise State after one season at USC

Nelson was the No. 1 prospect in the nation in the class of 2023

Malachi Nelson has found a new home.

The former Los Alamitos High School (California) quarterback, and ESPN's No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2023, announced Saturday that he is transferring to Boise State. Nelson entered the college football transfer portal on Dec. 18 after one season at USC.

Nelson originally committed to Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma in July 2021, but followed Riley to USC in November of that year. Nelson sat behind 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and threw only three passes as a Trojan.

Nelson was the third No. 1 overall recruit to commit to USC, joining running back Joe McKnight (2007) and quarterback Matt Barkley (2009). 

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound QB is considered a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft. He threw for 2,690 yards and 39 touchdowns with eight interceptions in his senior season at Los Alamitos.

Nelson will replace Taylen Green, who transferred from Boise State to Arkansas last month. 

Photo by Matthew Christopher