Alijah Arenas Headlines Three USC Trojans Filed as Early NBA Draft Candidates

Three USC Trojans players were filed as early 2026 NBA Draft candidates: guard Alijah Arenas, forward Jacob Cofie, and center Gabe Dynes.

Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) enters the court before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

There are three USC Trojans players that have been filed as early entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft out of 71 total players, the league announced on Monday, April 27. The three Trojans named were guard Alijah Arenas, forward Jacob Cofie, and center Gabe Dynes. 

The 2026 NBA Draft will begin on Tuesday, June 23 and conclude on Wednesday, June 24. The players who have applied for this early entry will still be eligible to return to college basketball if they withdraw their name by Wednesday, May 27. The 2026 NBA Combine is set to take place in Chicago from May 10-17.

Alijah Arenas, Guard

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) drives to the basket against the Washington Huskies during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The 6-6, 199 pound Alijah Arenas signed with USC as a five-star recruit in their high school recruiting class of 2025. Arenas had a very turbulent freshman season.

In April of 2025, Arenas had a scare. He was involved in a car crash that resulted in him being in a coma due to smoke inhalation. Luckily for Arenas, he was able to make a full recovery and made his return to the court to prepare for the season. 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2026, which will be held Tuesday, June 23 (First Round) and Wednesday June 24 (Second Round) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. pic.twitter.com/GfV338yqsz

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 27, 2026

Just a few months later in July, Arenas suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery. This forced him to miss USC’s first 18 games of the season. He made his USC debut on Jan. 21.

In 14 games with the Trojans, Arenas averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He showed flashes of why he was thought of so highly as a recruit. Whether it is taking the next step to the NBA or coming back to USC, a fully healthy offseason for Arenas is crucial.

Jacob Cofie, Forward

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) drives to the basket between UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) and guard Skyy Clark (55) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Jacob Cofie is a 6-10, 231 pound forward that just wrapped up his second season in college and first with USC. Cofie averaged 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game with the Trojans in 2025-26. He played 32 games.

Gabe Dynes, Center

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Xavier Booker (1) and Southern California Trojans center Gabe Dynes (45) battle for a rebound during the 2nd half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Gabe Dynes is a 7-5, 214 pound center that transferred to USC after playing his freshman and sophomore seasons with Youngstown State Penguins from 2023-2025. With the Trojans in 2025-26, Dynes averaged 2.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Dynes played in 30 games.

He is most well known for his defense. In both of his seasons at Youngstown State, he was named to the Horizon League All-Defense team. 

With all three of these players in 2025-26, USC went 18-14 overall and 7-13 in Big Ten conference play. It was a strong start to the season for the Trojans as they were dominant in non-conference play, winning the 2025 Maui Invitational in the process. USC struggled in conference and it led to them missing the NCAA Tournament for the third season in a row. The Trojans lost their last eight games of the season to go from the right side of the bubble to not even in the discussion when Selection Sunday rolled around.

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