USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams is headed for the NFL to likely be the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick, but that's not stopping freshman Malachi Nelson from transferring. That's right: He's hitting the portal and leaving USC.
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Oklahoma fans watching Lincoln Riley:
- Lose 5 of USC's last 6 regular season games
- Fire former Oklahoma DC Alex Grinch
- Have former Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams opt out of the bowl game
- See ex-Oklahoma WR Mario Williams & 5-star OU QB commit Malachi Nelson enter the transfer… pic.twitter.com/ejy7RDzp1A— The Walmart Wolverine (@TheWalmartWolv) December 18, 2023
Being a freshman with Williams on the roster, it's no surprise. But Nelson had just three pass attempts in 2023, completing one for zero yards. This move by Nelson came after USC brought in former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard for a visit, and it appears he's headed to USC. Howard coming in would result in Nelson sitting for another season.
Coming out of high school, Nelson was a "Five-Star Plus+" prospect, according to On3. He was the No. 11 player in the 2023 recruiting class and the No. 5 quarterback, and the No. 2 player in all of California.
Nelson joins a list of players jumping ship at USC with Williams gone, and the program is headed to the Big Ten.
Other players who have left USC include the following:
- Offensive tackle Michael Tarquin
- Offensive lineman Andrew Milek
- Cornerback Fabian Ross
- Wide receiver Michael Jackson III
- Defensive lineman De'jon Benton
- Wide receiver Raleek Brown
- Defensive lineman Nate Clifton
- Linebacker Chris Thompson Jr.
- Tight end Jude Wolfe
- Safety Xamarion Gordon
- Running back Darwin Barlow
- Running back Matthew Colombo
- Defensive lineman Jamar Sekona
The Trojans' depth chart now includes Miller Moss and Will Howard at quarterback.
The Trojans are slated to take on the Louisville Cardinal in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. EST.
There are numerous opt-outs on the Trojans' side, including the following:
- Caleb Williams, quarterback (opt-out)
- Raleek Brown, wide receiver (transfer portal)
- Chris Thompson Jr., linebacker (transfer portal)
- Jude Wolfe, tight end (Transfer portal)
- Xamarion Gordon, safety (transfer portal)
- Matthew Colombo, running back (transfer portal)
- Jamar Sekona, defensive lineman (transfer portal)
- Fabian Ross, cornerback (transfer portal)
- Malachi Nelson, quarterback (transfer portal)
- Michael Tarquin, offensive tackle (transfer portal)
