Kentucky Not In The Mix For Elite USC Trojans Transfer Guard Desmond Claude

On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Kentucky may not be in on Claude as previously believed. As of May 5, there has been no communication between Claude and Kentucky. While Kentucky is out, there are several schools interested in the guard. 

Per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Gonzaga, Duke, Virginia, and Ole Miss have been reaching out to Claude. The Ole Miss Rebels have been pursuing Claude since he entered the portal and will be a top team to watch. 

The Rebels are coming off of a 24-12 season, making it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Claude could bolster the offense and help the team make a larger push in the tournament next season.

“In his next school, sources said, Claude is looking for a proven backcourt mate to share playmaking & a team built for a deep run,” Borzello wrote.

USC finished the season with a 17-18 overall record, going 7-13 in Big Ten conference play. The Trojans nearly missed out on the Big Ten Tournament but ended up making it and defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first round. Unfortunately, USC’s season ended against Purdue in the second round.

While the Trojans had some big wins, it was an overall disappointing season for the men’s basketball team. With just one year of eligibility remaining, Claude will look to play somewhere he can earn significant playing time and make a run in the NCAA Tournament. 

The USC Trojans will be without many of their recent starters in the 2025-2026 season. In addition to Claude entering the portal, guard Wesley Yates III and forward Rashaun Agee did as well. Guard Chibuzo Agbo is out of eligibility and forward Saint Thomas is out of eligibility, but entered the portal in case he is granted another year.

USC coach Eric Musselman and the Trojans have brought in eight transfer portal additions. Some of the notable additions are former Virginia forward Jacob Cofie and Maryland guard Rodney Rice. The Trojans received a commitment from former Providence forward Drew Fielder and CSUN forward Keonte Jones, but both decommitted.

USC has used 11 of 15 scholarship spots and can still bring in a couple of players to bolster the team as they hope to improve their record next season.

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