The LA Football Network had previously written that sources reported that Keithian “Bear” Alexander was expected to leave USC Football via the transfer portal once the new term opened on April 15.
Shortly after publication, a source high up in USC’s football program refuted the claim, simpling stating, “Bear is not going anywhere.”
Based on the previous reports of Bear Alexander leaving for the transfer portal, the USC Trojans will still have an uphill battle before the portal officially opens on the 15th. But one thing is clear, Bear makes the defense better, and his presence is critical to turning the defense around quickly for the 2024 season.
*We will continue to update this story as we learn more.
On Wednesday at 11:28 Bear Alexander took to Twitter to clear the air. He confirmed that he would be staying with USC.
I’m not crystal clear on all of the noise or what any of this portal mess is about…I'm here to finish what I started and that's chasing a natty here at USC with my teammates #FightOn ✌️✌️
In 2023, 6’3″ 300 lbs defensive tackle posted 32 pressures, three sacks, and 28 run stops per PFF. He was one of three defensive linemen to play in all 13 games for the Trojans and played more than double the snaps of the next-highest snap-getter.
The other returning members from last season are Elijah Hughes and Kobe Pepe. They have added Isaiah Raikes from Texas A&M and Nate Clifton from Vanderbilt to the defensive line through the last transfer portal term.
Red-shirt freshman Deijon Laffitte and true freshmen Kaylon Miller and Jide Abasiri round out the depth at the position currently on the roster.
