Why Keeshawn Silver Is USC Trojans' Most Impactful Transfer Portal Addition

The USC Trojans filled one of their biggest holes on the roster by reeling in the top defensive lineman in the transfer portal in Keeshawn Silver. The former five-star prospect comes to USC with big expectations.

Oct 26, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver (9) celebrates after a missed field goal by the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans needed to make a statement in the transfer portal after going 7-6 with a bowl win. It didn't take long for them to cash in as they signed one of the best defensive lineman in the portal in Kentucky defensive line transfer Keeshawn Silver.

The the No. 24 player in the transfer portal and the top defensive lineman in the transfer portal according to 247Sports, Silver comes to the Trojans with big expectations in a make-or-break year for USC coach Lincoln Riley.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley on the sideline in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Coming into this offseason, USC knew that they needed to revamp their defensive front. The Trojans brought in defensive line coach Eric Henderson the offseason prior, but Riley and company were expected to pursue multiple defensive linemen in the transfer portal.

So, the Trojans decided to make a dedicated effort to reeling in one of the top defensive line prospects in the transfer portal and landed on the No. 1-ranked player at the position in Silver, a former member of the Kentucky Wildcats.

Pete Nakos of On3 said that Silver's size and pedigree makes him the most impactful transfer the Men of Troy picked up.

"A former five-star recruit, USC went all-out to land Kentucky defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver. Silver has 46 career tackles and a sack. He played in all 12 games for the Wildcats in 2024 and posted nine stops per PFF. The 6-foot-4, 336-pound defensive tackle was one of the highest-paid defensive players in the transfer portal," Nakos said.

MORE: What Four-Star Recruit Dylan Berymond Said About Texas Longhorns, USC Trojans

MORE: USC Trojans Shine At Pro Day With All 32 NFL Teams in Attendance: Woody Marks, Jaylin Smith

MORE: USC Trojans To Land Another 5-Star Recruit? Mater Dei Tight End Mark Bowman Visits

Signing Silver showed that Riley and USC were serious about their commitment to getting better as a program.

Interestingly enough, Silver isn't the only defensive line pickup USC made via the transfer portal. The Trojans also brought in Georgia transferJamaal Jarrett, who was ranked as the No. 14 defensive lineman in the portal, according to 247Sports.

Kentucky’s Keeshawn Silver celebrates some good D against Southern Miss Saturday night at Kroger Field. Aug. 31, 2024 / Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Silver and Jarrett will be walking into a relatively young position room at USC. The Trojans' 2024 recruiting class was filled projecatable defensive lineman and with a season under their belt, it looks like the position group could be on the rise heading into next season. Both players are expected to replace the production left by defensive linemen Nate Clifton and Gavin Meyer, who were also both transfers into the program from the offseason prior.

Players like Braylan Shelby, Kameryn Fountain, Jide Abasiri are all underclassmen, and they will have the opportunity to learn and grow from the much-experienced Silver and Jarrett.

Collectively as a positional unit, the Trojans' defensive line should be one of the most improved groups in the Big Ten next season. Not only did USC get an infusion of talent at the position, but Henderson and defensive end coach Shaun Nua are among the best in the country and will get the most out of their unit.

Recommended Articles

feed