USC Trojans defensive back DeCarlos Nicholson has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3.
Nicholson spent a single season with the Trojans following a two-year stint at Mississippi State. Prior to his collegiate career, he committed to the University of Kentucky before beginning his football journey at the junior college level.
DeCarlos Nicholson, Last USC Trojans 2024 Starting DB Enters Transfer Portal
Nicholson marks the final 2024 starting defensive back to depart the Trojans roster. Kamari Ramsey, Jacobe Covington, Akili Arnold, Greedy Vance, and John Humphrey are all at the end of their eligibility or on their way to the NFL Draft. Zion Branch is one of five defenders to enter the transfer portal.
USC has added Bishop Fitzgerald and DJ Harvey through the portal so far.
Harvey and Marcelles Williams or Maliki Crawford are likely to compete for starting roles heading into 2025.
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The NCAA transfer portal officially opened on Monday, December 9, 2024, marking the commencement of another period of significant roster movement within college football.
During the 2023-24 academic year, over 2,800 FBS scholarship players entered the transfer portal. After accounting for withdrawals and players who opted to pursue professional careers, the final total reached 2,707 transfers.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, this figure represents approximately 25% of all FBS scholarship players, highlighting the unprecedented scale of player movement within college football.
While the final numbers for the 2024-25 academic year are yet to be determined, it remains to be seen whether this trend of significant player movement will continue at a similar pace.