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Veteran USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins to enter NCAA transfer portal

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney12/17/25ErikTMcKinney

USC Trojans defensive lineman Devan Thompkins plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal when it opens in January, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive tackle started all 12 games for the Trojans during the 2025 season and came in with huge expectations after coaches spoke all offseason about the progress he’d made. He finished with 31 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and three sacks. He forced one fumble and had a pass deflection that resulted in an interception returned for a touchdown.

In his four years with USC, Thompkins had 56 tackles, including 9 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He had five pass deflections and a forced fumble.

Thompkins was a take for the Trojans in the 2022 recruiting class, which was head coach Lincoln Riley’s first at USC. A longtime basketball player, Thompkins had little football experience when he enrolled and developed nicely over his time in cardinal and gold. But he was asked to help anchor the middle of the defensive line this season and couldn’t always stand up to that task. USC finished the regular season No. 61 in run defense and a large part of that came straight up the middle — though clearly not all blame falling on Thompkins alone. Still, he would have been a solid veteran presence and addition to the a 2026 USC defensive line that will be tested by some outstanding offenses next season.

This announcement, paired with veteran linebacker Garrison Madden also planning to go into the portal, means USC will see all seven of its high school signees in the 2022 class transfer out before their eligibilty expired or they left for the NFL.

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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