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USC defensive lineman Elijah Hughes enters NCAA transfer portal

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney12/17/24ErikTMcKinney
Elijah Hughes
(acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC defensive tackle Elijah Hughes entered the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday, making it 17 former Trojans now officially in the portal this offseason.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Hughes signed as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and surprisingly saw the field early in his career as an undersized lineman. He played in the first three games of the season as a true freshman, as well as each of the last five. Hughes worked hard to add a significant amount of weight this past offseason as the Trojans transitioned from Alex Grinch to D’Anton Lynn at defensive coordinator.

As a sophomore, Hughes played sparingly over the first half of the season and then became more of a regular piece in the rotation over the second half. In two years with the Trojans, Hughes had 12 tackles, including three for loss and 1.5 sacks.

His departure is another hit to the interior of USC’s defensive line, which lost Bear Alexander early in the season and won’t return starters Gavin Meyer and Nate Clifton. This was already a key position for the Trojans to address via the transfer portal this offseason and now another depth piece is headed elsewhere.

Hughes joins defensive ends Sam Greene and DJ Peevy in transfer portal departures from the USC defensive line this offseason. Greene has since committed to Kentucky.

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Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz