USC Football: Trojans Land Top Defensive Tackle Via Transfer Portal

Former Texas A&M defensive lineman gives the Trojans some much needed size up front

Just minutes ago, former Texas A&M defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes took to X/Twitter to announce his commitment to USC. 

The 6-foot-2, 320-pound defensive tackle started just one game for the Aggies this past season, but played in 12 games total accounting for 17 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss and a sack. He also played in 12 games the previous season, his first at Texas A&M. 

Raikes is somebody that has proven he can step into a talented defensive line and not get lost in the depth chart. He will help the Trojans improve an area they struggled with in 2023. USC was 116th in rushing yards allowed in 2023, and they gave up over 180 yards per game on the ground. Raikes should bring a stout presence to the interior of the Trojan defensive line, possibly lining up alongside Bear Alexander as the Trojan's starters at defensive tackle next season. 

On3 reported that defensive line coach Shaun Nua has been the lead recruiter for Raikes. Raikes just finished his senior season at Texas A&M, and has one year of eligibility remaining. Raikes joins a pool of now 10 players who have transferred into USC since the winter transfer window opened. 

He joins fellow defensive lineman Nate Clifton, a Vanderbilt transfer, as the lone defensive lineman to transfer into USC thus far. Worth noting is that eight of the 10 incoming transfers are defensive players. Former Division Three wide receiver Jaden Richardson is the lone offensive player to transfer to USC during the winter window.