On Thursday it was announced that true freshman offensive lineman Jason Zandamela would enter the transfer when the new term opens on April 15th. After practice, USC Football‘s head coach was asked about his transfer and where it leaves the offensive line.
“Zandamela was, I don’t want to speak for him he’s got a very unique background and that played a large part of [his descision].” Riley stated, “Jason wasn’t a factor to play this year for us. A good young player, but a long ways away from being ready to help us.”
Riley didn’t clarify how Zandamela’s ‘very unique background’ played into his decision to enter the portal. Zandamela was born in Mozambique and grew up playing rugby until his sophomore year in high school when he first started playing football in Clearwater Florida.
Zandamela was the highest-ranked recruit of USC football’s 2024 class.
State of USC Football’s Offensive Line
Riley did express confidence in the state of the offensive line room without Zandamela and in replacing him.
I feel good with Jonah [Monheim] and Kilian [O’Connor]. They are way ahead. We’ll certainly be looking into the portal replace that spot.
Riley went on to say that the offensive line was an area of need that will be addressed in the new transfer portal window.
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