In a move that’s sure to shake up the college football world, USC’s highly touted freshman quarterback, Husan Longstreet, is set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after just one season with the Trojans. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given Longstreet’s status as a former 5-star recruit and one of the nation’s top prospects in the 2025 class. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his limited playing time—appearing in only four games as backup to starter Jayden Maiava—Longstreet is opting to explore new opportunities, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the timing and reasoning behind his choice.
Longstreet, a Corona, California native, was a major recruiting victory for USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who flipped him late in the cycle from Texas A&M. During his brief stint in Los Angeles, he showcased his dual-threat abilities, completing 13 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 76 yards and two scores. Yet, his desire to compete and play immediately has outweighed his loyalty to the program. And this is the part most people miss: Longstreet’s father, Kevin, revealed that the uncertainty surrounding Riley’s future at USC played a significant role in the decision. ‘There’s no guarantee Lincoln is back next year,’ Kevin explained. ‘What if we struggle and a new staff comes in? Then he has to learn a whole new system. He wants to play now and give himself his best shot.’
This move raises a thought-provoking question: Is Longstreet’s decision a smart career move or a risky gamble? With all four years of eligibility remaining, he’ll undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal when it opens on January 2. Ranked as the nation’s No. 21 overall recruit and No. 4 quarterback in the 2025 class by the Rivals Industry Ranking, Longstreet’s talent is undeniable. However, his departure leaves USC in a precarious position, with only incoming freshman Jonas Williams as the backup to Maiava. The Trojans will likely scour the portal for another quarterback to fill the void.
Longstreet’s transfer adds him to a growing list of USC players entering the portal, including standout defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, running backs Bryan Jackson and Harry Dalton, and reserve tight end Walker Lyons. This exodus now totals 19 players from the 2025 roster, leaving many to wonder about the program’s stability. USC has already secured six portal commitments, five of which are on defense, but the offense remains a pressing concern.
As the college football landscape continues to shift, Longstreet’s decision serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of the sport. Is the transfer portal empowering players to take control of their futures, or is it creating instability within programs? Weigh in below—do you think Longstreet made the right call, or should he have stayed put? The debate is open, and the implications are far-reaching. Stay tuned to On3’s Transfer Portal Wire for the latest updates on this developing story and more.
