USC DB DeCarlos Nicholson enters NCAA transfer portal

USC defensive back DeCarlos Nicholson has entered the NCAA transfer portal, On3 has learned.

Nicholson spent one season with the Trojans. Before that, he spent two seasons at Mississippi State. A one-time Kentucky commit, he began his career in the JUCO ranks.

The 2024 season was set to be his final at the collegiate level, but the new rule spearheaded by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia allows players who began their careers at the JUCO level to receive additional eligibility.

He’s made the most of it these past two years as last season, Nicholson logged 27 tackles (18 solo) to go with a career-high five pass breakups in his lone season at USC.

2023 was the most productive campaign of his career, however. While in his second year with Mississippi State, Nicholson recorded 42 tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss, and two pass breakups in what was a breakout season.

During his previous transfer portal cycle, he did take a visit back to Kentucky which could be a potential landing spot for Nicholson. After all, the third time’s the charm. However, multiple power conference teams will likely attempt to land his services at the end of the day.

Prior to enrolling at Mississippi State in 2023, Nicholson was one of the top-rated JUCO prospects in the 2022 class. He was rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 9 JUCO player in the nation. He also ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the class. Nicholson was also rated as the No. 4 overall player from the state of Mississippi, coming out of Petal (MS) High School.

The portal officially opened on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. More than 2,800 FBS scholarship players entered their names into the NCAA’s transfer database during the 2023-24 school year. Removing those who withdrew or went pro, the final total sat at 2,707 transfers.

That means roughly 25 percent of all FBS scholarship players hit free agency in one year, per On3’s Pete Nakos. It remains to be seen how those numbers stack up during the 2024-25 school year.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.