USC’s five‑star freshman quarterback, Husan Longstreet, has officially entered the college football transfer portal, sparking a seismic shift in the Trojans’ offensive plans and raising questions about the future of the program’s quarterback depth chart.
Background / Context
Longstreet, a hometown Los Angeles native who committed to USC as a top‑ranked recruit, was expected to be the cornerstone of the Trojans’ offense for years. After a limited role in his first season—appearing in four games and preserving a redshirt—he announced his decision to seek immediate playing time elsewhere. The move comes at a time when the college football transfer portal has become a central mechanism for player mobility, with over 1,200 athletes entering the portal in the 2025‑26 season alone.
USC’s head coach, Lincoln Riley, had publicly urged patience, noting that the program was “getting pretty good” and that a new quarterback could emerge in the near future. Yet Longstreet’s departure underscores a growing trend: elite prospects are increasingly willing to leave storied programs for a clearer path to the field.
Key Developments
Longstreet’s portal entry was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, via a brief statement on his social media: “I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to embrace the next opportunity with faith, purpose and gratitude.” The announcement follows a season in which he completed 13 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 76 yards and two scores. Though his on‑field production was limited, the statistics reflect a player who is physically ready to compete at the next level.
USC’s roster now features only two quarterbacks: true freshman Jonas Williams and senior Jayden Maiava, who has declared for another season after leading the Big Ten in passing yards last year. With Longstreet’s exit, the Trojans face a sudden void at the third‑string position and must decide whether to recruit a veteran passer from the transfer portal or develop existing talent.
In the broader landscape, the transfer portal has seen a surge in quarterback moves. According to the NCAA, 312 quarterbacks entered the portal in the 2025‑26 cycle, a 15% increase from the previous year. This trend reflects a shift in player priorities, with many seeking immediate playing time over program prestige.
Impact Analysis
For USC, Longstreet’s departure forces a rapid reassessment of the offensive scheme. Coach Riley will need to evaluate whether to elevate Jonas Williams, who has shown promise in practice, or to bring in a seasoned transfer who can step in immediately. The decision will have ripple effects on recruiting, as other prospects may view USC’s quarterback depth as a risk factor.
International students and athletes considering USC must now weigh the implications of a volatile quarterback situation. Programs with uncertain depth charts can affect scholarship offers, playing time, and exposure to NFL scouts. Prospective players should scrutinize a program’s recent transfer activity and coaching stability before committing.
From a financial perspective, the transfer portal can also impact scholarship budgets. Teams often need to allocate additional scholarships to accommodate incoming transfers, potentially limiting resources for other positions.
Expert Insights / Tips
- Assess Program Stability: Before signing, research a program’s coaching tenure and recent transfer activity. A stable coaching staff often correlates with consistent player development.
- Consider Immediate Playing Time: If you’re a high‑level recruit, evaluate whether the program offers a realistic path to the field within your first two seasons.
- Leverage the Transfer Portal: If you’re already enrolled and dissatisfied, the portal provides a formal mechanism to explore other opportunities without jeopardizing eligibility.
- Consult with a Certified Agent: Agents can provide insights into program needs and help negotiate scholarship terms, especially in a fluid transfer environment.
- Stay Informed on NCAA Rules: Recent rule changes allow players to transfer without sitting out a season, but eligibility can still be affected by academic standing and scholarship limits.
For international students, it’s crucial to understand how the transfer portal interacts with visa status. Maintaining full‑time enrollment and academic progress is essential to preserve F‑1 status, regardless of athletic moves.
Looking Ahead
USC’s next steps will likely involve a targeted search for a veteran quarterback in the transfer portal. Early indications suggest that programs like Texas A&M and Ohio State are open to adding experienced talent. If USC secures a transfer, the new quarterback could immediately influence the team’s offensive output and potentially alter the trajectory of the program’s 2026 season.
Meanwhile, Longstreet’s next destination remains unknown. Analysts speculate that he may target a Power Five program with a clear need at quarterback, such as the University of Washington or the University of Miami. His decision will set a precedent for other elite prospects weighing immediate playing time against program prestige.
The broader college football landscape will continue to evolve as the transfer portal becomes a standard tool for player mobility. Coaches will need to adapt recruiting strategies, and athletes will increasingly view the portal as a viable pathway to maximize their collegiate careers.
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