USC Trojans Pursuing Elijhah Badger, Top Weapon In Transfer Portal

The USC Trojans improved their depth for the upcoming season by adding multiple skill players on both sides of the ball in the transfer portal. Now, Lincoln Riley and the Trojans coaching staff have a new target in the portal.

Former Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Elijhah Badger entered the transfer portal this spring, seeking a better opportunity with a Power 4 program. He’s instantly become one of the most coveted players available on the market and his California ties could prove beneficial to USC.

• Eljhah Badger stats (2023): 65 receptions, 713 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns

Soon after former Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada left the program via the transfer portal, his top receiver followed out the door. Badger, standing at 6-foot-2, immediately started hearing from programs across the country.

Badger told Hayes Fawcett of On3.com, that the Trojans are among 20 schools that have contacted him since he officially entered the transfer portal. While USC is in the mix, they are facing competition from national powers like the Ole Miss Rebels, Michigan Wolverines, Florida Gators, Washington Huskies and Florida State Seminoles.

Of note, the Georgia Bulldogs aren’t among the 20 listed teams that have reached out to Badger. While that could change, it’s an early sign he won’t be following his former quarterback to a new program.

Badger, a Sacramento native, is currently rated by 247 Sports as the best wide receiver available in the transfer portal. Rated as a four-star recruit with a 0.900 rating, he is considered a player who can make an immediate impact with his next program.

Also Read: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings

As of Sunday, Badger had already visited the Washington Huskies and was scheduled to visit Arizona and Florida in the near future. It’s unknown at this time if he’ll take a visit with the Trojans.

While the Trojans have already added to their wide receiver room this offseason, there are big shoes to fill for the fall. Following the departures of Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice to the NFL, USC could offer Badger the opportunity to play immediately in Riley’s high-scoring offense.