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USC linebacker Matai Tagoa'i plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney2 hours agoErikTMcKinney

Promising USC Trojans defender Matai Tagoa’i plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens next month, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

While a number of Trojans have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal, this is the first one that feels like a real hit to future depth at a real position of need for USC.

Tagoa’i saw the field early as a true freshman, logging 15 defensive snaps in the season opener and then 11 the next week. USC then worked him onto the field later in the year with spot snaps against Nebraska, Northwestern and UCLA.Tagoa’i also found a home on special teams, playing 56 snaps on kick coverage. He finished the season with four tackles and a forced fumble.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound linebacker played with a physical edge, but was going to need to add significant weight to gain a starting role in the defense going forward. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said Tagoa’i did some things on the field athletically that can’t be taught and he flashed a few of those with a pass rush spin move against Northwestern and a kickoff coverage tackle against UCLA. It’s tough to say Tagoa’i had a clear shot to become a starting linebacker with his frame, but he is a tough, athletic football player.

USC is bringing in Talanoa Ili in this 2026 class and he’s someone to watch as an early-impact guy this coming fall.

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