USC quarterback Malachi Nelson Expected to Enter Transfer Portal
USC quarterback Malachi Nelson is expected to enter the transfer portal, multiple sources have confirmed to WeAreSC.
Nelson’s impending decision was first reported by Matt Zenitz.
This brings a very quick end to Nelson’s USC career, which was expected to be a decorated one. Nelson enrolled early at USC this past spring as a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and the nation’s No. 11 overall recruit in the 2023 On3 Industry Rankings. But he underwent shoulder surgery and was somewhat limited throughout spring ball.
Installed as the No. 3 quarterback, Nelson saw time in just one game this fall. He went 1-for-3 for zero yards in the season-opener against San Jose State.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Nelson was tied to head coach Lincoln Riley throughout the recruiting process. Nelson initially pledged to Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners in July after his sophomore season at Los Alamitos. Four months later, Nelson was one of the first big-name Oklahoma decommitments after Riley left for USC.
A few days later, Nelson announced his commitment to USC.
When Nelson committed to the Trojans, he told On3’s Chad Simmons:
“Me and coach Riley just click,” Nelson said. “He has been real with me from the beginning, he has always been honest with me, and we have a strong relationship.
“At the very beginning, he told me I was his guy. He never offered another 2023 quarterback, he recruited me hard, he got to know me, and we just clicked.
“It is a strong relationship and that played into my commitment.”
USC Trojans in the Transfer Portal
Nelson could be the fourteenth USC Trojan to enter his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason.
Running back/wide receiver Raleek Brown is the only former Trojan to have made a commitment elsewhere. Brown announced Saturday that he’ll be heading to Arizona State to continue his career.
Running back Darwin Barlow, wide receiver Mario Williams and Michael Jackson III, tight end Jude Wolfe, defensive tackle De’jon Benton and offensive tackle Michael Tarquin are some of the other Trojans who have earned playing time at USC who remain in the portal at this time.
