USC veteran defensive lineman announces plan to enter the transfer portal

USC starting defensive lineman Devan Thompkins has announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. The redshirt junior led all Trojan defensive linemen with 475 snaps this season, lining up primarily on the interior, but occasionally moving to the outside. 

Thompkins came to USC as a three-star edge prospect in the recruiting class of 2022. Over the past four seasons, he grew from being a projected outside pass rusher into a 6-foot-5, 290-pound presence that could play anywhere up front. 

Once USC made the announcement that quarterback Jordan Maiava was going to return for the 2026 season, attention shifted to Thompkins and the hopes that he and the Trojans could work something out. 

Thompkins wasn't flashy, but his numbers in 2025 (31 tackles, 6.5 TFL and three sacks) and PFF grade of under 60 don't necessarily tell the full story about his value. He was a veteran leader that could play any position and take on some of the tougher assignments to let his teammates shine. Expect the market to be quite fruitful for Thompkins because productive veteran defensive linemen with his kind of versatility and experience don't grow on trees.

Trojans still have plenty of DL depth

The good news is that USC is not going to be hurting for strong play along the defensive front. Braylan Shelby will be back as a senior. He took a major step forward on the edge this season and will look to build on his 4.5 sacks from 2025. Jide Abasiri looks like he could be a legitimate force in the middle of the defensive line this year. He is a physical specimen that continues to show signs of growth in 2025. There will be huge expectations for Abasiri to have a breakout junior season.

USC also has a No. 1-rated recruiting class coming into the program with several blue-chip prospects on the defensive line. Five-star pass rusher Luke Wafle is a player that looks physically ready to make an early impact. The two highest-rated interior line prospects — Jaimeon Winfield and Tomuhini Topui are big bodies that will also push for early playing time.