{"id":162409,"date":"2025-10-17T09:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T13:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=162409"},"modified":"2025-10-16T17:32:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T21:32:25","slug":"usc-basketball-2025-26-preview-trojans-have-something-to-prove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/10\/17\/usc-basketball-2025-26-preview-trojans-have-something-to-prove\/","title":{"rendered":"USC Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Trojans Have Something to Prove"},"content":{"rendered":"

USC basketball’s first season in the Big Ten had plenty of trials and tribulations, but the Trojans eventually carved out a solid first year under Eric Musselman. It included an impressive home win against eventual Big Ten champion Michigan State. The Trojans will have plenty of new faces again in 2025-26. After the graduations of more than six players and the surprise transfer of Desmond Claude<\/a>, USC had to make a hard reset for this season.<\/p>\n

The Trojans were able to bring in quite a powerful group of transfers along with incoming freshmen, but a massive offseason injury has one of those playmakers in a tough spot. Let’s take a closer look at the Trojans.<\/p>\n

USC Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Trojans Have Something to Prove<\/h2>\n

Roster Makeup<\/h3>\n

The Trojans made great use of the portal as they were able to grab Jacob Cofie<\/a> from Virginia. Cofie brings great experience, and at 6-foot-10, he’s going to give USC a much-needed presence. He isn’t alone, as the Trojans were also able to attract point guard transfer Rodney Rice<\/a> (Maryland) and bring in one of the most experienced players available in Chad Baker-Mazara<\/a> from Auburn, who has been playing ball since the 2020-21 season.<\/p>\n

USC had hoped to watch NBA legend Gilbert Arenas<\/a>‘ son, Alijah<\/a>, star for the team this season. However, an offseason car accident has Arenas sidelined for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trojans will have to rely on other guards like Jordan Marsh<\/a> and another freshman, Jerry Easter II<\/a>. One thing is for sure: USC basketball doesn’t lack depth and experience.<\/p>\n

Terrance Williams II<\/a> was a reliable rebounder at Michigan before transferring to USC last season. An injury kept him limited to just seven games in 2024-25. If Musselman can get Williams going, he should have an impactful role for the Trojans this season. Ezra Ausar<\/a> brings another tough scoring forward to the table as well, as he will look to continue building on a strong season at Utah last year.<\/p>\n

Rest of the Team<\/h4>\n

Amarion Dickerson<\/a> (transfer from Robert Morris) brings impressive defensive prowess, as the reigning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year. Gabe Dynes<\/a> (transfer from Youngstown State) is a massive rim protector at 7-foot-3 and has averaged around three blocks per game in two seasons. He was also named to the Horizon League’s All-Defensive Team last season. Ryan Cornish<\/a> (transfer from Dartmouth) was All-Ivy League in 2024-25 while averaging 17.1 points per game.<\/p>\n

EJ Neal Jr<\/a> (Transfer from Sacramento State)<\/p>\n

Jaden Brownell<\/a> (Transfer from Samford)<\/p>\n

Patrick O’Brien<\/a> (Freshman)<\/p>\n

Brit Burden<\/a> (Sophomore)<\/p>\n

Jonah Goorin<\/a> (Sophomore)<\/p>\n

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Big season ahead for your Trojans \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udcc8 pic.twitter.com\/9xhiyFeiqD<\/a><\/p>\n

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) October 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n