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Report: New list of Desmond Claude suitors emerges after Florida, North Carolina back away

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•05/05/25•

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USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.(Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)

USC transfer Desmond Claude is the No. 24 overall player and No. 8 point guard in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player rankings. On Monday, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello revealed who is in contact with the coveted transfer.

“USC transfer Desmond Claude is hearing from Gonzaga, Duke, Virginia, Ole Miss & Kentucky, sources told ESPN, with Duke reaching out over the weekend,” Borzello wrote. “In his next school, sources said, Claude is looking for a proven backcourt mate to share playmaking & a team built for a deep run.”

North Carolina and Florida were also in the race for Claude until recently. On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Florida was no longer pursuing Claude earlier this morning.

Claude transferred to USC last offseason after playing two years at Xavier. In his lone campaign with the Trojans, Claude averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 30.7% from beyond the arc.

Claude had his best performance of the season in USC’s 82-72 win over Illinois on Jan. 11. Illinois was ranked No. 13 in the country at the time. Yet, Claude erupted for a season-high 31 points on 12-20 shooting.

For his efforts, Claude was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection. Claude made 69 appearances at Xavier, including 35 starts. He averaged a career-high 16.6 points per game on 42.6% shooting during his sophomore season.

Desmond Claude played high school basketball at Putnam Science Academy (CT), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 83 overall player and No. 11 point guard in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Claude is one of five USC players who entered the transfer portal this offseason. To replace its losses, USC has added eight players via the portal. The Trojans are currently ranked No. 3 in On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings.

USC’s transfer class is highlighted by additions Chad Baker-Mazara and Rodney Rice. Mazara was a key piece to Auburn‘s run to the Final Four this past season. Meanwhile, Rice was pivotal in Maryland‘s run to the Sweet Sixteen.

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.