How USC Transfer Portal Target Carrington Pierce Can Help Trojans' Defense

The USC Trojans dominated in recruiting, now looking to add to the roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal. USC is reportedly trending towards landing Oklahoma State Cowboys transfer Carrington Pierce, and his athleticism would be a big addition to the Trojans.

Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks out of the tunnel for warmups before the start of the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans landed the No. 1-ranked recruiting class for the 2026 cycle, and now their sights are on building the roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal. The portal will officially open on Jan. 2 and close after 15 days on Jan. 16. It will be the only portal opening, and the Trojans are already targeting key players to help the team.

According to On3, not only are the Trojans are trending for Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback transfer Carrington Pierce, a native of Southern California. Pierce entered the portal after Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy was fired, and the cornerback did not play this fall. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

What Carrington Pierce Will Bring To USC

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Though Pierce never played with the Cowboys, he spent one year at JUCO at Chaffey College. He is a natural athlete who has high potential. His season at Chaffey College was his first time playing organized football, having never played in high school. 

He was a basketball player in high school before playing in 11 games with Chaffey College. In his freshman season, he totaled 24 total tackles, 14 solo, and 3.0 tackles for loss. He also had three interceptions and six pass breakups. He is a natural athlete who can be a difference maker for the Trojans.

Despite his lack of organized playing experience, he is a highly sought-after prospect through the portal. In addition to USC, Nebraska, San Diego State, and Toledo are also making a push for Pierce, but per On3, the Trojans are in the lead.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks on the field before a game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Trojans' cornerback position was a concern to start the season, but improved throughout the second half of the year. Cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson was a player who stepped up and solidified himself as a starter for the Trojans. 

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While Nicholson stepped up for the Trojans, it was his final year of eligibility. This makes adding another player, such as Pierce, crucial for the Trojans as they seek a College Football Playoff appearance next year.

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson (17) warms cup before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

In addition to Nicholson, the Trojans are losing cornerback DJ Harvey and Braylon Conley. Harvey is out of eligibility, and Conley entered the portal. While the team will have returning corners, with struggles early on in the season, bringing in help is important.

The Trojans are bringing in elite prospects through the 2026 recruiting class, but mixing in veteran players will help the Trojans succeed next season, especially as the young prospects adjust to playing at the college level.

One of the biggest things that USC understands after this season is the need for depth at each position. The Trojans faced several injuries across the roster, and as the team seeks a CFP appearance, bringing in talent at each position is critical. The depth pieces could be what wins tight games next season and could make or break the Trojans' playoff hopes.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Trojans are likely to return cornerbacks Chasen Johnson, Marcellas Williams, and RJ Sermons. Johnson is returning from a knee injury, and Sermons did not play in 2025. The cornerback room could have a wide-open competition for who will start, making adding a player like Pierce a big pickup.

Pierce would be USC’s first portal addition, but there will likely be more. The Trojans found immense success recruiting, holding the No. 1 2026 class in the nation, but the job is not done.

While the focus is on bringing in young talent to develop, the Trojans will still bring in positions of need to ensure the program is in the best spot to compete for a national title.