Bear Alexander Discusses Why He's Headed to USC

USC needed to make another big splash in the transfer portal during this open window. A commitment from former Georgia defensive lineman Bear Alexander certainly qualifies.

Alexander is the top-ranked player to go into the portal this spring and ranks as the No. 17 overall player to transfer this offseason. USC grabbed commitments from three of the top 20 available players this offseason. Wide receiver Dorian Singer (No. 8) and edge defender Anthony Lucas (No. 15) enrolled at USC in time for spring ball.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Alexander represents a huge win for the Trojans. USC absolutely had to bolster its defensive front this offseason. Alexander was the nation’s No. 43 overall prospect in the 2022 class and impressed enough to see time in 12 games as a true freshman on a loaded Georgia defense. Alexander finished his first season with two sacks and nine total tackles.

He now heads to USC where he’ll be counted on to become an impact player for a defense that needs to make significant improvements from last season.

Alexander joined On3’s J.D. PicKell on Thursday morning to discuss what went into his decision to transfer and to ultimately select USC as his destination.

Part of the reason Alexander said he picked USC is because the Trojans needed so much help on that side of the ball. He sees an opportunity to make his presence felt.

“It’s upcoming,” Alexander said of USC. “I mean, we’re building from the ground up.”

Riley’s Previous Work Helped the Trojans with Alexander

Alexander took almost no time in his decision after entering the transfer portal. USC was seen as one of his likely destinations. Alexander took a visit shortly after entering the portal. And he announced his commitment immediately coming off of that trip.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley didn’t need to recruit Alexander hard this time around. He’d already put in that work.

Alexander is a Texas native and he looked hard at Riley and Oklahoma coming out of high school.

“Coach Lincoln recruited me and I loved OU at the time,” Alexander said. “So it was pretty much a quick, deciding factor when it came to it.”

Alexander called Riley and defensive line coach Shaun Nua “two amazing guys” in talking about how much USC was the right fit for this next step. He added that he was able to speak to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch during his visit. Alexander liked what he heard about how he’ll be used in the defense. The Trojans could be using him the way they used Tuli Tuipulotu in multiple roles last season.

“I feel like I fit great into the defense,” Alexander said. “With Tuli and how they were able to use him and just move him around anywhere from a zero through a five. It’s going to be fun, man.”

USC Players Recruiting Alexander

Alexander said he got significant recruiting pitches from USC quarterback Caleb Williams and cornerback Domani Jackson while he was making his decision.

Alexander and Jackson have a relationship from the time they spent together at an Under-Armour camp while in high school. And Williams hasn’t been hesitant to put in work when it comes to building the roster for what will likely be his final college season.

“He’d been recruiting me heavy on this deal,” Alexander said of Williams. “It’s been fun and exciting, just learning his personality and getting to know him.”

What Alexander Brings to USC

Alexander won’t need to do it all by himself in 2023 for USC. He has some help up front with the additions of Jack Sullivan, Kyon Barrs and Anthony Lucas from the transfer portal. And the Trojans return some veteran help in Solomon Tuliaupupu, De’jon Benton, Tyrone Taleni, Stanley Ta’ufo’ou and others.

But Alexander will be seen as the marquee name up front. And he’s ready to be the man for the Trojans.

“You’re getting a disruptive player,” Alexander said when asked what he’s bringing to USC. “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.”

Alexander already has national championship experience. He recorded a sack and two tackles for loss against TCU in the championship game earlier this year. But when he arrives at USC, he’s focused more on the day-to-day than the end goal.

“Just taking pride in the work and going out here every day and putting in a lot to get out a lot,” Alexander said of his expectations at USC for 2023.