USC football loses promising OT to ACC
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USC football faces challenges from the modern transfer portal, with roster turnover affecting even the best programs. This situation was evident when the Trojans lost a promising freshman lineman, raising questions about the offensive line’s depth and future development prospects in Southern California.
The Trojans finished the 2025 season with a 9-3 record, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. While these results show progress, maintaining continuity in the current transfer landscape is becoming increasingly difficult. This was highlighted by the news that freshman offensive tackle Alex Payne had entered the portal, representing a significant future loss for the offensive line.
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz took to his X, formerly Twitter, to announce that Payne will continue his college career in the ACC. Zenitz, along with national insider Chris Hummer, confirmed that the former top recruit had signed with Virginia.
“Virginia has signed USC freshman offensive tackle transfer Alex Payne, @chris_hummer and I have learned. Was a Class of 2025 top-135 overall recruit.”
USC expected Payne, a highly regarded four-star recruit from Gainesville High School in Georgia, to be a foundational player for its offensive line. Given that offensive linemen often need years to fully develop, his exit is an important hurdle for USC as it seeks to maintain depth and stability along the line.
From the perspective of the Cavaliers, this acquisition represents a significant recruiting win. They have secured a former top-150 national recruit who still has multiple years of eligibility, bolstering their proactive transfer portal strategy aimed at accelerating roster growth within the ACC.
The loss of the offensive tackle underscores USC’s ongoing challenges in keeping talented players, even with recent strides on the field. Lincoln Riley’s squad now faces the task of recalibrating development timelines while continuing to pursue recruits and enhance the roster via the transfer portal. As the Trojans set their sights on the 2026 season, ensuring roster stability is vital for the future of USC football.
Related: Virginia Tech football HC James Franklin loses D-lineman to Big Ten
Related: Notre Dame football lands Ohio State receiver in transfer portal
