Less than a year after leaving USC football, Malachi Nelson is back in the transfer portal once again. After signing with the Trojans as a five-star recruit in the 2023 signing class, Nelson was seen as USC’s quarterback of the future. In his first season on campus, Nelson served as the Trojans’ third string quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Miller Moss. He appeared in one game and attempted just three passes, preserving his redshirt.
The expectation was that Nelson would compete with Moss for the starting job in 2024 following Williams’ departure. Instead, however, Nelson elected to enter the transfer portal. According to reports, Nelson did not want to have to compete for the job, and USC’s coaching staff was less than thrilled with his work ethic.
Nelson committed to Boise State. However, he lost the QB competition to Maddux Masden, who has since gone on to lead the Broncos to the College Football Playoff. As Boise State’s backup this season, Nelson completed 12 of his 17 pass attempts for 128 yards and one interception.
Now, while the Broncos are getting set for their playoff quarterfinal at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve, Nelson is back in the portal yet again.
Ironically, Nelson’s path to the playing field would have been more clear had he stayed at USC. Moss started the first nine games of the season for the Trojans, but was replaced by UNLV trasnfer Jayden Maiava for the final three. Had Nelson stuck around, USC likely never would have pursued Maiava, and the former five-star may have gotten a shot to prove himself.
Instead, he will now be looking for his third school in three years.