Bear Alexander recaps whirlwind transfer from UGA, why USC commitment was a 'no-brainer'

There was never another choice for Bear Alexander. Back in April, the defensive lineman entered the transfer portal. Just a week later, Alexander was a Trojan. The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder recently discussed his decision to join USC.

“[There are] more significant snaps and just being a first, second, third down player. I knew I was coming here. It was kind of a no-brainer,” Alexander said.

Offering Alexander was a no-brainer for USC, as well. The sophomore was a four-star recruit in high school and the No. 43 overall player in the Class of 2022. Furthermore, Alexander saw the field in 12 games as a true freshman at Georgia.

With his limited time, Alexander recorded two sacks and nine total tackles. Despite his success with the Bulldogs, Alexander wanted to find a new home. Head coach Lincoln Riley was a familiar face. The 39-year-old coach nearly secured Alexander when he was at the helm of the Oklahoma program. In fact, Riley had the big man locked down until the last second.

“I was actually secretly committed [to Oklahoma],” Alexander admitted. “I ended up going to Georgia, but it was close.”

While Riley was no longer leading the Sooners when Alexander decided to leave UGA, he was still at the forefront of the defensive tackle’s mind. Riley didn’t have to use any sly techniques to convince Alexander to join USC.

“There wasn’t much of a pitch. Like I said, I knew I was coming here and it was kind of a no-brainer,” Alexander said. “I mean it’s Southern Cal. It’s full of stars. That’s it.”

Fair enough. Alexander might soon be another star in Los Angeles’ bright sky. He certainly knows what he brings to the table.

“You’re getting a disruptive player,” Alexander told On3’s J.D. PicKell in spring. “At times, I can take over the game. You’re getting a guy that’s willing to come in, learn the scheme, and work hard. And build and bring other guys along with me.”

USC will need all help it can get. Despite boasting the third-best offense in the nation last season, the Trojans ranked a miserable No. 106 in total defense. If Riley wants to push his program into the College Football Playoffs, he desperately needs change.

That’s where Alexander comes in. Helping boost the Bulldogs to their second national title in a row last season, Alexander knows what it takes to win at the highest level. He believes the Trojans can succeed at that level, and he knew he wanted to be a part of it.

“I immediately called [Lincoln Riley],” Alexander recalled. “We didn’t take a visit nowhere else. We already knew we was going to LA.”

Riley welcomed the defensive standout with open arms. Watch Alexander make his debut for the Trojans on Sept. 2 against San Jose State.