USC Trojans land transfer portal, Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jah Jarrett

THE USC Trojans let’s work hard to attract players across the transfer portal. USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans lost many defensive players from their 2024 roster, making this a major priority for them. Georgia Bulldogs transfer defensive lineman Jamaal “Jah” Jarrett has committed to USC.

Jarrett committed to the USC Trojans on Saturday, and the defensive lineman has three years of eligibility remaining. Georgia signed Jarrett as a four-star player. He transferred as a three-star player. According to the On3 industry rankings, he is the #15 defensive lineman and the #211 player in the portal.

Jarrett spent two seasons with the Bulldogs before entering the portal. In 2023, he only appeared in five games and 11 games as a reserve defensive lineman in 2024. In two seasons, Jarrett recorded nine total tackles. Although he appeared in more games in 2024, he saw limited snaps. Given his lack of playing time, Jarrett entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Despite the lack of playing time, Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised the way Jarrett has developed, noting his weight as an issue.

“His weight went up and down. I think it’s something he knows about and is trying to work on. He has moments — flashes — where he can help us,” Smart said after Georgia’s first scrimmage of the fall. “I think he’s doing better. It is more reliable. He has a little more stamina but there is still one area for improvement: he needs to be able to play more consecutive snaps.

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Jarrett won’t be able to step in and start, he’ll have to work hard and earn the role. On3’s Jake Rowe reiterated that Jarrett has potential, but weight is an issue.

“Weight, however, is an ongoing problem. He just doesn’t seem to be one of those guys that moves well enough to play major snaps unless he can get his weight below 340 and keep it there,” Rowe said. “He was going to have a chance to become the starting nose tackle, but it also looked like Nnamdi Ogboko, a true freshman, was gaining ground. Jarrett is a fiery competitor and a fresh start could be just what he needs.

Jarrett never realized his full potential with the Georgia Bulldogs, but he might do so with the USC Trojans. He’s also had to deal with issues off the field, and a fresh start with a new team could be just what he needs.

USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s unit has been hit hard by the portal with the number of losses. Jarrett has a chance to earn significant playing time with the Trojans. This is the Trojans’ second significant engagement in a week. Defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver committed to USC on December 19. The addition of two defensive linemen thus far was crucial for the Trojans.

The Trojans brought four players through the portal. In addition to Jarrett and Silver, the Trojans brought in cornerback DJ Harvey and running back Eli Sanders. Riley and the staff still have work to do. USC has lost 19 players to the portal since it officially opened on Dec. 9. Six players came from defensive line.