The USC Trojans have received shocking news at an unexpected time. While preparing for their upcoming Holiday Bowl game against Louisville, and with the likely number one overall pick of the upcoming NFL draft still on the roster, it looks like other quarterbacks on the team will get an unexpected opportunity to showcase their talents in the upcoming game.
USC Trojans QB Transfer Loss
Malachi Nelson will be testing the transfer portal waters based on multiple sources, according to the report by Pete Nakos, from On3, While he was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, the California native was really the number three option this year for the USC Trojans, and appears to be looking for a more guaranteed chance to be a starter for a power five program.
With the success of Lincoln Riley that he has had not only showcasing offensive talent in his system, but also highlighting the best aspects of players for NFL scouts, the USC Trojans have been seen as something of a Quarterback U, for signal callers.
With his entering into the portal, Nelson immediately becomes the top sought after prospect for programs that are looking for an upgrade at the quarterback position.
USC Trojans Player High School Profile
At one time, an ESPN number one recruit, his name was mentioned with the likes of Dante Moore, who elected to go to UCLA, and with Arch Manning, who elected to attend Texas University as a freshman. Most did not see him good enough to overtake Caleb Williams as the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans, but he was widely considered to be next in line for the 2024 season.
Despite being eager to join the USC Trojans, and even coming to campus early during the spring before the conventional timing for his freshman year, it appears that his time under Lincoln Riley has come to an end.
From Los Alamitos, California, Nelson created quite the impressive resume. He was the 2022 Gatorade California Player Of The Year, an Under Armour All-American, and 2023 Polynesian Bowl All-Star. His high school dominance was so notable that he was even earned the Gatorade California Player Of The Year as a junior in 2021.
Some described his play style as Mahomes-esque. He is a tall, athletic quarterback who has a great throwing motion, and throws a really nice ball. Along with his good decision making, and natural skill set, what sets him apart is why some are comparing him to one of the greatest quarterbacks playing in the NFL at the moment.
Nelson’s ability to create out of the pocket, whether it is on the scramble, or a designed bootleg action is what separates him from his peers that are at the same stage in their careers as he his. His ability to also throw from different angles, and just make plays that other really don’t even consider is why the USC Trojans were so excited to originally have him on the roster.
Sitting a year behind Caleb Williams was a given, he seemed willing to wait a year, and learn by watching Williams operate the offense. However, it is very possible that discussions with Riley, and seeing that Miller Moss is the starting quarterback for the upcoming Bowl Game rubbed Nelson the wrong way, and he is looking for a new landing spot to shine as the lone starting option.