The USC Trojans are stripping the UCLA Bruins bare. In December 2023, USC hired D’Anton Lynn, who was the Bruins’ defensive coordinator in 2023. Shortly after Lynn’s hiring, UCLA defensive backs Kamari Ramsey and John Humphrey decided to stay with Lynn and transferred to USC. Now, USC appears set to entice another Bruin to become a Trojan.
The Intense Rivalry Between the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins
This historic crosstown rivalry between USC and UCLA dates back to 1929, when USC routed UCLA 76-0 in the initial clash between the two Los Angeles-based teams. Since then, the teams have competed annually for the Victory Bell. USC holds a commanding 52-33-7 lead over UCLA in the series.
The campuses of the two schools are separated by only 13.4 miles.
Bleacher Report describes some of the dynamics involved in the intense rivalry:
“Both schools are premier academic institutions and have a variety of successful sports teams. The competition between the two schools is fierce, and that energy bleeds into the culture of LA as a whole….
“Because Bruins and Trojans work together, drive on the same freeways, and shop at the same stores, the smug, annoying faces of the other guys are always present, always taunting.”
Recent Defections from UCLA to USC
As noted above, in December 2023, USC poached defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn from UCLA, which was promptly followed by the transfers of defensive backs Ramsey and Humphrey. As reported by Sports Illustrated:
“Now, the Trojans have not only gained one of the best defensive coordinators in college football, but two of his key players….
“Overall, the big winner is the USC defense.”
Another Defection Is on the Horizon
The current expectation is that former USC wide receiver Kyle Ford, who spent last season at UCLA, is going to end up transferring back to USC, sources tell @247Sports.
The former five-star recruit had 40 catches from 2020-22 with USC before leaving for UCLA. Had 22 catches at… pic.twitter.com/NK5bL8G5Hy
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 23, 2024
247Sports reported on April 22, 2024, that another Bruin is transferring to USC. Kyle Ford, who was a five-star recruit who began his career at USC, but played the 2023 season with UCLA, is returning to USC. Ford has 62 pass receptions for 873 yards and six touchdowns in 36 career games. Ford attended USC’s spring game on April 20, 2024.
USC Is Getting Greedy
Joining the transfers from UCLA is Florida State cornerback, Greedy Vancee, Jr., who committed to the Trojans on April 21, 2024.
Florida State transfer DB target with Lincoln Riley this morning to wrap up his weekend official visit #USC pic.twitter.com/7KcwJrioe1
— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) April 21, 2024
Vance started five games for the Seminoles in their undefeated 2023 regular season. He has four career interceptions. Vance attended the same high school as USC DL coach Eric Henderson. He adds further strength and veteran leadership to the Trojan defense.
For more sports-related news, focused primarily on the USC Trojans, SMU Mustangs, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Rams, please follow me at @vshjah_Victor.
