The 2025 NCAA Transfer Portal has set the college football world on fire, and two of the biggest names in college football—Notre Dame and USC—are at the heart of the chaos. Both programs are facing significant changes in their rosters, as players leave, join, and transfer in search of bigger opportunities. With the intense competition in college football only continuing to increase, the Transfer Portal has become a vital tool for programs looking to rebuild, reload, or bolster their squads. As of this year, the Fighting Irish and the Trojans are making headlines for their moves, and fans are closely watching to see how these developments will affect the future of both programs.

1. Notre Dame’s Moves in the Transfer Portal

Notre Dame has always been a program with a rich history and a strong tradition. However, 2025 has been a year of change for the Fighting Irish, as they seek to strengthen their roster and fill some gaps in key positions.

Key Additions:

One of the biggest moves for Notre Dame has been the acquisition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a standout wide receiver who has transferred in from Ohio State. Smith-Njigba, a former five-star recruit, brings with him a wealth of experience and proven playmaking ability. His addition is expected to bolster Notre Dame’s receiving corps and provide a dynamic weapon for the Irish offense, especially under quarterback Sam Hartman, who has also been a key transfer addition for Notre Dame this offseason.

Another major addition for Notre Dame comes on the defensive side of the ball with the transfer of Jaheim Thomas, a linebacker from Cincinnati. Thomas has the potential to be a game-changer for the Irish defense, as he’s shown flashes of brilliance with the Bearcats and could immediately contribute to Notre Dame’s linebacker corps.

Key Losses:

While Notre Dame has seen some key additions, they’ve also faced losses that have shaken up their roster. Tyler Buchner, a former starting quarterback, made the decision to enter the Transfer Portal after being overshadowed by Hartman’s arrival. Buchner, who showed potential in limited appearances, will look for a fresh start elsewhere, potentially affecting the team’s depth at the quarterback position.

Notre Dame’s offensive line, a historically strong unit, has also lost some key depth with the departure of several players. This will be an area of concern for head coach Marcus Freeman, as the team will need to reload up front to protect their quarterback and establish the run game effectively.

2. USC’s Transformative Moves in the Transfer Portal

USC, under head coach Lincoln Riley, has become a major player in the Transfer Portal, making moves to further cement themselves as a powerhouse in the Pac-12 and, eventually, the Big Ten. With a high-octane offense led by Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, the Trojans have the luxury of attracting top-tier talent to bolster both sides of the ball.

Key Additions:

The most notable transfer for USC is Mekhi Blackmon, a cornerback from Colorado. Blackmon has been one of the most sought-after defensive players in the portal, and his addition fills an immediate need in the secondary for USC. His ability to lock down top receivers and make plays in coverage will be critical to USC’s defensive scheme.

On the offensive side, USC has added Trey Benson, a powerful running back from Oregon State, who will help complement Caleb Williams’ dynamic passing game. Benson’s ability to pound the rock will give USC a balanced offense, making them even more difficult to stop.

The Trojans have also added depth to their wide receiver corps with the transfer of Mario Williams from Oklahoma. Williams was a key part of Riley’s offense at Oklahoma and will look to reunite with his former coach in Los Angeles, where he could become a top target for Williams.

Key Losses:

Despite the additions, USC has faced some tough losses, particularly in the defensive front. Tuli Tuipulotu, one of their star defensive linemen, declared for the NFL Draft, leaving a sizable hole on the defensive line. However, USC has been active in the portal to bring in transfers to help fill these gaps.

Additionally, the departure of Kedon Slovis, who entered the portal after starting for USC in previous seasons, has left the team with some uncertainty behind Caleb Williams. Although Williams has solidified himself as the face of the program, USC’s depth at quarterback could be a potential concern moving forward.

3. The Impact of These Moves on 2025 Season:

For Notre Dame, their moves in the Transfer Portal indicate a clear intent to remain competitive in the crowded landscape of college football. With the addition of veteran quarterback Sam Hartman and playmaking wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Irish are positioning themselves to be serious contenders in the coming season. However, the loss of key players, particularly in the quarterback and offensive line positions, will require some adjustments.

USC, on the other hand, has significantly strengthened their roster, particularly in the secondary and running back positions. The additions of Mekhi Blackmon and Trey Benson make them a more well-rounded team heading into the 2025 season. With Caleb Williams returning for another year, USC will be one of the most explosive teams in the country, but they will need to address the holes left by the departure of key defensive players like Tuli Tuipulotu.

Both teams are on track to be among the top programs in the country next season, but the real test will be how these new pieces mesh with the existing talent on their rosters. The Transfer Portal has become a key element in building championship-contending teams, and it will be fascinating to see how these moves play out on the field.

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4. What’s Next for Notre Dame and USC?

As the Transfer Portal continues to be an ever-evolving landscape, both Notre Dame and USC will likely continue to make moves leading up to the 2025 season. The addition of players who can make an immediate impact will be crucial for both teams, especially as they look to compete at the highest level.

For Notre Dame, continuing to address their depth in key areas such as the offensive line and defensive backfield will be essential for staying competitive in the national title race. The Irish will also need to ensure that their quarterback situation remains stable as they look to build around Sam Hartman and the other transfers that have joined the squad.

For USC, maintaining defensive improvements will be the key to reaching their full potential. While their offense is already explosive, their defensive additions will need to deliver for the Trojans to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Lincoln Riley’s offensive genius combined with a more solid defense could be the recipe for a national championship run.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Transfer Portal has already provided fireworks, and for Notre Dame and USC, it looks like the best is yet to come. As both teams reshape their rosters with key additions and departures, college football fans are in for an exciting season ahead. The moves these two programs make will have lasting impacts, not just for this season, but potentially for years to come. Stay tuned as the madness of the Transfer Portal continues to shake up the college football landscape