USC Trojans Land UCF Transfer Portal Defensive Back Chasen Johnson

The USC Trojans lost several players through the transfer portal, but they have made a push to bolster the defense. On Sunday, the Trojans landed UCF Knights transfer portal defensive back Chasen Johnson.

Johnson is in the portal as a three-star transfer, the No. 811 player in the nation, and the No. 94 cornerback. He entered the portal in the winter and committed to USC at one point, but he then flipped to SMU before returning to UCF. Now, he is committed to the Trojans once again.

On3’s Pete Nakos made a prediction that the Trojans will land Johnson before his decision to commit to USC was revealed.

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley holds the championship trophy after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Johnson seriously considered USC and SMU during his portal stint in the winter. Sources tell On3’s Steve Wiltfong and I that USC is trending to land Chasen Johnson. The UCF transfer is not expected to visit Los Angeles, and this could come together quickly,” Nakos wrote.

In 2024, Johnson finished the season with 18 combined tackles and two passes defended. He played 452 snaps as a true freshman, giving him solid playing time in year one. He started four of the final five games this season and has three years of eligibility remaining.

USC defensive backs coach Doug Belk was heavily recruiting Johnson in the winter, and doing so again. Johnson adds needed depth to the USC Trojans defensive back position.

MORE: USC Trojans Add Elite Louisiana Receiver Recruit Roderick Tezeno To Surging Recruiting Class

MORE: Why USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Parted Ways With Strength Coach Bennie Wylie

MORE: Texas A&M Aggies In Danger Of Losing 4-Star Recruit Samu Moala To USC Trojans Flip?

Belk and the Trojans have brought in some strong players through the transfer portal. The most notable incoming player is cornerback DJ Harvey, who is transferring from San Jose State.

The early expectation is that Harvey and returning cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson will be the starters in 2025. Harvey finished the 2024 season with 58 total tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and six passes defended. He also had four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Harvey is expected to be a playmaker for the Trojans defense in 2025.

Nicholson finished the season with 27 combined tackles and five passes defended, looking to take another step in 2025. At nickel, the starter is projected to be returning cornerback Prophet Brown. Brown finished the 2024 season with 11 combined tackles and one pass defended.

USC does have a decent number of backups for the position, but bringing in another player with three years of eligibility would add to what could be an elite Trojans defense for years to come.

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In the On3 Transfer Portal rankings, the USC Trojans are low on the list at No. 60. The team has had 15 players transfer in, compared to 26 outgoing transfers. The Trojans have recruited just three four-star players, with five exiting. USC has also brought in 12 three-star players, losing 21.

From the recruiting class of 2026, the Trojans have commitments from five-star cornerback RJ Sermons and four-star cornerbacks Elbert Hill and Brandon Lockhart. Between the transfer portal and stepping up with recruiting, the USC Trojans defense is looking to be a dominant team for the next several years.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES