Tag: bear alexander

Bear Alexander deserved more of an investment than Isaiah Raikes

We don’t know if Isaiah Raikes asked for a larger NIL cut, but if he did, it was easy for Lincoln Riley to say no.

We don’t know for a fact that Isaiah Raikes asked for a bigger NIL bag from USC. Lincoln Riley declined to elaborate on the details connected to Raikes’ departure from USC football in the transfer portal, days after the Trojans retained Bear Alexander in a dramatic 48-hour sequence. We don’t know with certainty why players leave football programs. This stuff happens behind the scenes, and no one benefits from airing the deeper details of movements inside the locker room the public will never see.

However, while we don’t know exactly what happened, we can imagine what might have happened behind closed doors with Isaiah Raikes and other players who transfer out of a program shortly after coming in. This matter could be as simple as Raikes not being as good as he thought he was. It could be that clear-cut. If there was any friction, however, there’s a chance that Raikes might have angled for a bigger NIL bag.

If we play with this hypothetical, let’s just come out and say it: If Raikes did want a bigger NIL amount, he didn’t deserve it. More precisely, he didn’t deserve NIL at the same level Bear Alexander does. Bear Alexander turned in an actual season of great work for USC. Raikes hasn’t played a down for USC. If we’re comparing those players and any possible NIL investment the two players might deserve, Bear deserved it more than Raikes did.

We talked about this at The Voice of College Football:

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The significance of Bear Alexander staying at USC is considerable

Bear Alexander changes the stakes for USC in the spring transfer portal window.

Georgia Bulldog transfer Bear Alexander, who transferred to USC in the fall of 2023, has been the big story at USC football this week. It was thought by many that he was going to enter the transfer portal before the start of the 2024 season, but after having a conversation with Lincoln Riley and new USC defensive line coach Eric Henderson, Alexander chose to stay at USC.

The Texas native by way of IMG Academy (Florida) made an immediate impact by bolstering the Trojan defensive line last season. He recorded 48 tackles, including 6.5 for loss (with 1.5 sacks). He led the team with 4 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass break-up, appearing in all 13 games and starting 12.

As a true freshman at Georgia in 2022, Bear Alexander appeared in 12 games. He recorded nine tackles, including two sacks, during his one season with the Bulldogs, helping Georgia to the 2022 national championship with a win over TCU 65-7. His role was minor, but he did get a sack in that title game versus Max Duggan and TCU.

The former five-star defensive tackle was down to a final six of Colordado, Miami, Oregon, Texas and Penn State last spring after entering the transfer portal and joining the Trojans.

Bear Alexander staying at USC means a number of things for the Trojans, but here’s the biggest point: Instead of having to replace Bear in the spring transfer portal window, USC can add to Bear in the spring portal. USC can stockpile depth and quality instead of having to replace roster spots and tread water.

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Bear Alexander transfer story took a lot of twists and turns at USC

Trojans Wire staff writer Tim Prangley walks through the timeline of events surrounding Bear Alexander.

USC Twitter and message boards were on fire earlier this week in a whirlwind 24 hours of speculation. Everyone was asking: Is Bear Alexander entering the transfer portal?  There are only a handful of spots on the USC first string that most people who follow Trojan football have written in ink for the 2024 season, and Bear Alexander was probably at the top of that list.  This apparently had caught the coaching staff and USC’s main collective, House of Victory, off guard.  Bear had just signed a new deal with House of Victory last week.  But one tweet Tuesday morning put all of that certainty into doubt.

In the morning, a buzz started among reliable sources that Bear Alexander planned to enter the transfer portal. Later that morning, USC J shared in a post on X that he had confirmed with a source very close to Alexander than he would transfer due to family reasons. It wasn’t long before On3 and 247Sports also reported the speculation. Some sources were even speculating destinations in Texas — specifically Texas, Texas A&M, and SMU.

Later that evening, as the story was unfolding, Mark Rogers, Matt Zemek and I went live during our weekly live show, Trojan Conquest Live. In the opening segment I stressed my feelings on why I didn’t think this was a done deal.

USC had just hired Eric Henderson, a well-respected defensive line coach from the Los Angeles Rams who had helped Kobie Turner lead all rookies in sacks and drew a huge endorsement from arguably the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history, Aaron Donald. Alexander was had a starting role on the team and would be able to say he received a year of development for the NFL under Henderson. Not many things could raise his stock more than that, and it’s certainly not worth the pocket change of NIL compared to a top NFL draft pick in 2025.

Another issue that struck me as odd was the timing of all this. It was strange. The spring transfer portal window was not set to open for another week on April 16. Sure, there are always back channels before players enter the draft, but things behind the scenes were not as clandestine as the typical feelers that go out in these situations.

Most importantly, I stressed that he was not in the portal, and could not enter the transfer portal until the aforementioned window had opened next week. I put my faith in Henderson to use the relationship he had developed with Bear to explain the benefits of a year with him at USC. Coaches don’t just recruit players from high school and the transfer portal; coaches have to recruit their own roster. If there was even the slightest chance of Bear staying, it was likely Henderson would convince him USC was the right place for him.

I asked the Internet to do the unthinkable, be patient and let things unfold before people freak out (or for many rival fans, celebrate too loudly).

Fans of all parties involved didn’t have to wait long. Speculation ended on Wednesday morning when Bear stated in a post on X, “I’m not crystal clear on all of the noise or what any of this portal mess is about…I’m here to finish what I started and that’s chasing a natty here at USC with my teammates.”

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Looking at what the Texas roster lacks heading into portal reopening

Texas can’t afford to be picky in upgrading its roster weakness.

The Texas roster is one of the four or five best in college football. Yet if there is a fatal flaw, the team lacks at defensive tackle.

The above sentiment isn’t new to many who have followed the team. Albeit some have been of the belief that the team could make do with the roster on hand. Perhaps they can, but it’s not something Texas should take for granted heading into the portal reopening.

Presently, Vernon Broughton II is seen as a potential starter at nose tackle. Respectfully, it’s unclear Broughton should even be slated as the backup nose tackle. He’s been too small and has shown vulnerability in run defense. He’s a good player, but unless he has shown marked improvement in size, strength and technique he’s perhaps better suited at the off-ball defensive tackle.

Arizona transfer Tiaoalii Savea could be an answer at the position, but there’s still something to prove for the newcomer.

In addition to concerns over the nose tackle position, there’s a lack of proven depth on the interior. Not all of the defensive tackles on campus would be mowed over by SEC offensive lines, but the others might lack the playmaking ability or experience-acquired football intelligence it takes not to be the weak link in the defense.

Enter USC defensive tackle Bear Alexander who doesn’t lack size, playmaking ability or experience and Texas has one of perhaps many potential transfer upgrades on the interior should he enter the portal. The Longhorns don’t have to add Alexander, but they do need to add another impactful player to ensure a chance at a title run.

At seemingly every position but defensive tackle, tight end and receiver, although Texas could end up better at the latter two by volume of quality additions, this team figures to be better than its last iteration. The Longhorns need to have urgency to shore up their one position of need when the portal reopens.

Former five-star recruit with Wisconsin connections to enter transfer portal

Should Wisconsin pursue Alexander?

USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander plans to enter the transfer portal, according to a report from On3.

The former five-star recruit recorded 48 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in Alex Grinch’s defense in 2023. Grinch is now Wisconsin’s safeties coach after USC fired him midseason, giving the Badgers a connection to the highly touted lineman.

Related: Ranking Wisconsin football’s incoming transfers by expected impact in 2024 season

Alexander played his freshman season at Georgia before leaving for USC. The new school in 2024 will be his seventh in as many years dating back to high school.

The potential is undeniable. The Bradenton, Florida native was 247Sports’ No. 50 player in the class of 2022, No. 9 defensive lineman and No. 9 recruit from the state of Florida. But that potential has still yet to fully blossom on the field.

Wisconsin has a clear need at defensive line in the transfer portal for the spring window. The team is razor-thin at the position with only James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal as experienced contributors there.

Yes, there is a red flag with Alexander’s history of finding a new school every year since high school began. But if Wisconsin can get the requisite buy-in, he could be an impactful addition.

UPDATE: Alexander recently shot down the report that he’d be entering the portal.

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USC defensive tackle Bear Alexander to enter transfer portal

Bear Alexander is set to head to the portal again. Should Texas have interest?

Former Georgia and current USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander looks to be headed to the transfer portal. The big name interior lineman is set to leave after a good season in Los Angeles.

Alexander went for 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in his 2023 season. And while his role and value to the USC football squad is clear, he doesn’t appear to be sold on staying on head coach Lincoln Riley’s squad.

Alexander generated buzz from those interested in Texas’ football program when he entered the transfer portal last offseason. Once again the name creates intrigue for the Longhorns who have to replace T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy at the position.

If anywhere, defensive tackle is the one unsettling position group for the Texas football team. The uncertainty isn’t about whether or not Texas has quality players, but if those players are ready for the role they’ll be asked to play.

Texas is going to be considerably smaller on the interior without T’Vondre Sweat. That’s undeniable barring a surprise breakout from Sydir Mitchell. Adding another playmaker would be advantageous for the Longhorns. The question is whether or not Alexander is the right fit.

Last offseason, some speculated that Alexander entered the portal with a school picked out. That could be the case this spring. We’ll keep an eye on whether or not Texas has real interest in bringing Alexander to Austin.

Former Georgia DL Bear Alexander ejected for targeting

USC Trojans defensive tackle Bear Alexander, a Georgia transfer, ejected after a targeting penalty in the final moments of USC-Utah

Former Georgia Bulldogs defense tackle Bear Alexander, who now plays for the USC Trojans, was emotional after getting ejecting for targeting in the final two minutes of the USC-Utah game.

Alexander had a big game against Utah. He recorded seven total tackles, but had a couple of critical penalties against Utah.

As usual, most targeting plays are controversial. Alexander made contact with Utah’s quarterback in the head, but it was not with an incredible amount of force.

Utah went on to score a field goal in the final moments of the game to win 34-32 and end the College Football Playoff hopes of USC for a second straight season.

Bear Alexander thrives at making real-time decisions once a play begins

There’s no film from Week 3, since USC had the weekend off, but it’s a good time to look at past film on Bear Alexander.

USC hasn’t played since September 9, and the Trojans are massive favorites this coming weekend at Arizona State against a hollowed-out Sun Devil roster which has been plagued by injuries. USC doesn’t figure to be tested by the Devils, which takes away even more stress from what has been a stress-free September. This is a good time to go to the film room and look at USC players before the season heats up in mid-October against Notre Dame and then Utah.

USC football analyst Josh Webb pointed out what makes Bear Alexander special, using this ESPN video clip.

“This play is a small example of what Alexander brings to USC,” Webb explained. “It also highlights why he was sought after as a high school recruit. You find a player capable of making a difference and hungry for playing time on a defense desperately in need of someone with his exact skill set.

“The second highlight (0:09) in the video linked above shows Alexander’s teammate destroying two offensive linemen at once by pushing them back and opening up a lane for Alexander to come in and get the sack. The third play (0:56) is more of a traditional 0-technique getting a run stop because he won his rep and was in place to disengage and tackle. If Alexander and Anthony Lucas turn out to be really productive on the defensive line and Mason Cobb can be trusted to get after the backfield as a leader, that’s how losses against Utah turn into wins and College Football Playoff appearances.

“When I enjoyed most about Alexander in these video highlights was his ability to not only play his position but improvise and take what the defense gives him. By noticing his fellow player has opened up an opportunity for him and by using his natural intelligence, you can see Alexander making real-time decisions on these plays. Whenever Alexander scanned (0:21) the trenches and saw one of his people taking on a double block, he automatically disengaged from his own block so he could get after the ball carrier.”

Catch all of Ducks Wire’s Pac-12 team previews for the 2023 season:

Arizona — Arizona State — California — Colorado — Oregon State  — Stanford — UCLA — USC — Utah — Washington — Washington State

Georgia fans roast Bear Alexander after USC defense’s rough season opener

Georgia fans, who know what great defense looks like, laughed at USC’s defense. The Trojans have to change their identity.

Bear Alexander wasn’t supposed to be a superstar for USC in 2023, but he was supposed to offer something the Trojans didn’t have last year.

We wrote:

“The USC Trojans had Tuli Tuipulotu on last season’s roster and their 2022 defensive line. We’re not here to tell you that Bear Alexander is better than Tuli ever was, because Tuli was special for USC and the main reason last year’s bad defense wasn’t significantly worse. Tuipulotu carried the USC defense and was the only defensive lineman who displayed rock-solid reliability on a regular basis.

“All of that being said, however: Tuli isn’t the same kind of player Bear Alexander is.”

Bear Alexander wasn’t supposed to be the very best player on the USC roster, but he was supposed to fill a role and balance out this roster.

That could still happen, but it didn’t in the first game of the season against San Jose State.

Georgia fans, who lost Bear Alexander to USC, really enjoyed what they saw in the Trojans’ season opener. It might not be fun to read these tweets below, but they reinforce the point that USC’s defense is a punching bag. The Trojans need to take this very personally and work extremely hard to change their reputation and identity:

Bear Alexander is a true defensive tackle at USC, as opposed to being a hybrid

Some players can and will be shuffled among various spots, but teams also need role-specific players such as Bear Alexander.

Bear Alexander isn’t a speed rusher. He isn’t going to drop back in coverage the way rush end Korey Foreman did late in last season’s UCLA game. He knows what his role is.

We talked to USC football analyst Josh Webb for more on the Bear:

“Alexander is a true defensive tackle and that’s why he was so coveted among various schools,” Webb told us. “This isn’t a defensive end living out the last years of his time at defensive tackle; he has the height, weight, and body build to make it work. Alexander is not just large, he is absolutely quick as a cat. His burst off the line and ability to disengage from a block and get after the play are also why he was a top recruit. That’s the true zero-technique player USC needs to make a 3-3-5 and a 3-4 work. When you are only rushing three, you must have a man-eater on your defense to soak up double-team blocks, or opposing teams are going to tear your unit apart.

“It’s funny that the entire projected USC defensive line for this year will be made up of transfers. There are some true gems in this class, and if they all can work together to fill the gaps in last year’s defense, the new 2023 version will be among the best in the nation. It does not matter from whence the talent came, only that it flourishes. Alexander has that chance to thrive. Whatever bargain USC made to improve its defense, one hopes it pays off this season.”

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