Skip to main content
USC
Join Now

USC offensive lineman Makai Saina to enter NCAA transfer portal

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney3 hours agoErikTMcKinney

USC Trojans offensive lineman Makai Saina plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens in January.

The 6-foot-4, 310-pound redshirt freshman did not play in a game in two years with the Trojans after signing in the 2024 class as a four-star prospect out of Texas. The talent is there and Saina is a lineman who is athletic enough that he could probably play all five positions across the line.

But Saina dealt with injuries from the time he arrived at USC and was not often dressed in full uniform for games. USC has loaded up with bodies along the offensive line in the last two recruiting classes, who will be right on the heels of any 2023 and 2024 signees who haven’t earned time at this point. The Trojans signed four offensive linemen in the 2025 class and just inked seven more on Wednesday’s signing day for the 2026 class.

Saina joins defensive end Gus Cordova, running back Bryan Jackson, cornerback Braylon Conley and wide receiver DJ Jordan as players who are headed to the portal when it opens on January.

(To follow along with WeAreSC for all things transfer portal, check our USC Trojans 2025-2026 Transfer Portal Tracker – Ins, Outs and Names to Know)

The transfer portal window will officially open January 2 and run through January 16.

You may also like

Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

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