Bryce Dixon Expulsion Stayed, Could Return to USC Football

Bryce Dixon’s expulsion from USC has been stayed by a judge, opening the door for his return to USC football for the 2015 season.

RELATED: 5 Trojans With the Most to Prove During Fall Camp

Dixon was expelled from USC this May following a hearing over an undisclosed student-conduct issue, which had held him out for a game in the fall of 2014 and all of the Trojans’ spring practice.

The would-be sophomore tight end was exploring his legal options, which seemed to gain traction when a San Diego judge ruled in favor of a UC San Diego student, saying he had not been given a fair hearing by the university over reportedly similar case.

Dixon apparently brought the same lawyer who handled that proceeding onto his legal team last week.

Over the summer, Dixon expressed his desire to return to USC and head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed at Pac-12 media days that he would welcome the player back if his status changed.

More from Reign of Troy

• Markese Stepp enters transfer portal intending to leave USC football
• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

Going into 2015, Dixon would have been the only returning scholarship tight end who played for the Trojans in 2014 after the departure of Randall Telfer. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick missed the season due to academic ineligibility and remains a doubt even now.

Dixon caught 14 passes for 198 yards and four touchdowns last year in his freshman season. He was a highly-touted four-star recruit for the Trojans and his loss was considered a major blow.

To cope with Dixon’s absence, USC brought in Oklahoma transfer Taylor McNamara, walk-on Caleb Wilson and seemed ready to rely on walk-on transfer Connor Spears as a major part of the rotation after a strong spring. Freshman Tyler Petite was also expected to follow in Dixon’s footsteps as a first year contributor, but there were to be few options with actual playing experience in Los Angeles.

Now, with Dixon seemingly set to return, USC’s tight end situation appears better than ever. Still, Dixon’s legal battle will continue, so the situation is certainly fluid.

UPDATE: USC released a statement in response to the judge’s decision to stay Dixon’s expulsion, via Michael Lev of the Orange County Register.

"The university stands by its student disciplinary processes that were conducted in compliance with state and federal regulations and its decisions in this case. We will carefully evaluate the judge’s written order once it is issued in order to determine our next steps."

Sarkisian is expected to address the issue after practice tonight.