The USC Trojans struggled in their first season in the Big Ten, finishing with a 17-18 record and going 7-13 in conference play. Head coach Eric Musselman had led the Arkansas Razorbacks to the Elite Eight twice during his five-year tenure and will need more time to get USC back on track.

The USC Trojans landed a big star in the transfer portal from the Auburn Tigers. Guard Chad Baker-Mazara announced he will transfer to USC in a huge momentum swinging addition for the Trojans and coach Eric Musselman.

Baker-Mazara made the announcement in an Instagram post. He spent the past two seasons at Auburn after opening his college career on Duquesne and San Diego State, serving as a starter on a Tigers squad that advanced to the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament. Baker-Mazara initially entered the transfer portal on April 17.