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College Football Playoff Team Projected To Land Former 5-Star DL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Dec 20, 2024 2:35 PM ET

USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander hit the transfer portal after two seasons with the Trojans. He received a projection for his next team on Friday.

On3's Max Torres predicted that the Oregon Ducks would land Alexander via X. Alexander was a former five-star prospect in the 2022 class on Rivals.

USC had its lowest win total of the Lincoln Riley era in 2024 after a 6-6 regular season finish. Riley took the USC job in 2022 after leaving Oklahoma after spending 2017-21 with the Sooners.

The Trojans have had 19 players leave the program via the portal and have added three players. Players like receiver Zachariah Branch, quarterback Miller Moss, Alexander and receiver Duce Robinson have hit the portal.

Oregon insider @mtorressports has logged an expert prediction for the Ducks to land USC transfer DL Bear Alexanderhttps://t.co/kjzTlLULmC pic.twitter.com/Ka4XhlnQhT
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) December 20, 2024

Alexander is the No. 6 player in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings.

Alexander started his college career at Georgia in 2022, playing five games that season. He had nine total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and two passes defended during his time with the Bulldogs.

He then transferred to USC, where he had an instant impact in 2023. Alexander played in 13 games and recorded 48 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one and a half sacks last season.

This season did not go according to Alexander's plan. He missed most of spring practice with an apparent injury. His role was reduced on USC's defense, and he played in three games before redshirting for the rest of the year. In those three games, he had four total tackles.

Oregon is gearing up for its first College Football Playoff game since 2014. The Ducks made it to the national championship that season but lost to Ohio State 42-20.

The Ducks are led by Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel at quarterback and have plenty of weapons on offense, including Texas A&M receiver transfer Evan Stewart, receiver Tez Johnson and running back Jordan James.

Defensively, Oregon is led by defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei and defensive back and linebacker Bryce Boettcher.

Oregon will play the winner of the No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee game on Jan. 1, 2025. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. ET live from the Rose Bowl on ESPN.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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