USC Trojans can find the perfect Bear Alexander replacement now in the 2025 recruiting class after recent news

The USC Trojans experienced a very weird situation a few weeks ago. Defensive tackle Bear Alexander complained about snaps after the loss to the Michigan Wolverines. Then Lincoln Riley explained that it wasn't an issue and that there was no story there. And then Alexander redshirted the next day, signifying he would transfer after the season.

And, Alexander was seeing a big drop off in snaps, it's not like he was just making that up.

In Week 1 he played 28 snaps; in Week 2 he played 20 snaps, and in Week 4 he played 21 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. So, his usage has decreased a bit, but, that's normal because every game and situation is different.

Through his first three games last season, Alexander was already up to 114 snaps on the year. So, the drop-off from last year to this year is significant. But, the defense this year is way better than it was last year.

Alexander just wasn't performing this year. Last year he was the best at the defensive tackle position. So, his snaps fell, and that happens a lot. But, now they have to find a replacement in 2025, and luckily for them, there is some recent news that may be very beneficial to them.

According to Hayes Fawcett of On3, the No. 1 national recruit in the 2026 class just reclassified for the 2025 class, and he's not committed anywhere yet. He just so happens to play the same exact position the Trojans will be in need of.