Noah Jefferson Reportedly Transferring From USC Football

Sophomore defensive lineman Noah Jefferson is transferring away from USC football, Ryan Abraham of USCFootball.com reported Tuesday night.

After a season surrounded by question marks, Noah Jefferson is set to leave the USC football program, per Ryan Abraham of USCFootball.com.

The sophomore was expected to have a big 2016 season with the Trojans, as one of just a few returning players with experience on the defensive line. However, injuries, personal issues and academics have held Jefferson out of action for most of the season.

Since starting the opener against Alabama then hurting his shoulder during the action, Jefferson has not appeared in cardinal and gold.

Per USCFootball.com, Jefferson cited personal reasons for his transfer.

On the one hand, the Trojans have survived most of the 2016 season without Jefferson, so Clancy Pendergast and defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze have managed to survive without his presence thus far.

On the other hand, Jefferson’s transfer is a potentially huge loss for USC. The already thin Trojan defensive line will lose Stevie Tu’ikolovatu to graduation after this season. Adding Jefferson to the list of departures will only make it more difficult for Pendergast to populate his defensive front next season.

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USC will return starter Rasheem Green in 2017, along with Kenny Bigelow, who has missed the season with injury, junior college transfer Josh Fatu, Jacob Daniel, Kevin Scott and Liam Jimmons. However, at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Jefferson offered the prospect of much needed size and athleticism in the middle.

In a perfect world, the redshirt freshman Scott would take the next step next season and fill the gap left behind by Jefferson. Advancement from Daniel in year three would go a long way as well.

The Trojans may also consider moving center Khaliel Rodgers back across to the defensive line to cover depth concerns.

Jefferson is not the only USC player who will not stick around for 2017. Quarterback Max Brown is also expected to make a move in the spring, having lost the starting quarterback job to Sam Darnold earlier this season.