Terrell Anderson Pulls Back the Curtain on Transfer to USC

After signing six receivers in the 2026 class, the USC Trojans planned on signing one receiver in the portal and landed NC State transfer Terrell Anderson.

“I feel like they was showing the most love and it's a great fit for me,” Anderson said. “I can come and help the team. I think any receiver in college football that hits the portal would want to come to USC because what Coach [Lincoln] Riley’s been doing with his offenses and the tradition that USC has.“

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Recruiting Class Terrell Anderson Dennis Simmons Jayden Maiava Fall Camp Transfer Portal Big Ten — Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Utah Utes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Jayden Maiava is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, having started 31 career games between his time with the Trojans and UNLV.

Last season, Maiava made tremendous strides from what he was at the end of the 2024 season, where he took over as the starter for the last four games. He took control of the offense, leading the Big Ten in passing yards as the Trojans led the conference in total offense. The USC signal-caller became the unquestioned leader of the team.

Maiava could have entered what was a weak quarterback class in April’s NFL Draft but instead decided to return to school for his redshirt senior season. A decision that led Anderson to head to Los Angeles.

“That definitely factored into my decision,” Anderson said. “You need a quarterback that can throw the ball and make plays, extend plays with his legs, and Jayden was one of the best quarterbacks in college football last year. I think we gonna do big things this year.”

Integrating Himself into USC’s Offense

Anderson gives Maiava another receiver with Power Four production after reeling in 39 receptions for 629 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore with the Wolfpack last season.

He’s been able to lean on sophomore receiver Tanook Hines, who started last season as a true freshman. Hines remains out to start fall camp but has been highly engaged with helping the newcomers.

“Tanook helped me a lot. we study plays,” Anderson said. “If I don't know something, I call him and ask him. Make sure I'm got my splits right, running the right stuff, blocking the right man. We help each other a lot, we never try to hold secrets from each other.“

Anderson is working under the tutelage of receivers coach Dennis Simmons, who has developed multiple All-Americans, first round draft picks and a Biletnikoff Award winner in nearly two decades of coaching. He is also receiving guidance from inside receivers/tight ends coach Chad Savage.

“Coach Simmons is a great coach. He pushes you every day, pushes the whole room every day," Anderson said. "Make sure everybody dialed in and locked into what the job is. Being a receiver, you want a coach that pushes you to be great. Him and coach Savage, you don't want no coach that thinks it's cool to do this and that.“

Outside Receiver Competition

Hines' status for week 0 is unknown and something to monitor as fall camp rolls on. Either way, Anderson is going to have to fend off a talented group of freshmen receivers on the outside in Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Boobie Feaster and Tron Baker. Sophomore Corey Simms is also in the mix. Anderson was complimentary of Feaster, who is just 17 years old and arrived in the summer.

“Boobie, he college ready already. He real quiet but that's my brother," Anderson said. "Me and him, I say we got similar play styles, and we come out and compete every day. That's the main objectives, and he gonna do big things this year too.”

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