USC football now confronts the reality of needing to get a lot of work done in the transfer portal. On Tuesday, USC kicker Denis Lynch announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. It’s one of several portal departures for the Trojans, as the flurry of roster activity begins in the offseason. USC has had multiple offensive linemen enter the portal, which will force Lincoln Riley to restock there. Riley has said he will try to find a Jayden Maiava backup at quarterback in the portal, adding to USC’s Christmas shopping list.
Let’s briefly talk about Denis Lynch. After redshirting his first season on campus in 2021, Lynch earned the starting job in 2022. In two seasons as USC’s starting kicker, Lynch made 69.4% of his field goal attempts. He was also 139-of-140 on extra points.
Ahead of the 2024 season however, Lynch was beaten out for the job by Georgia Southern transfer Michael Lantz. He did not attempt a kick this season.
Lynch will be remembered by USC fans for his powerful leg but highly inconsistent accuracy. As a Trojan, Lynch went 11-of-13 on field goal attempts of 40+ yards, but just 9-of-17 on attempts between 30 and 39 yards.
Lantz will have one year of eligibility remaining.
With Lynch transferring and Lantz out of eligibility, the Trojans will be in the market for a new kicker in 2025. That’s one need on their list, but their pursuit of quality linemen will be the top priority for the Trojans. USC can’t get caught shorthanded on the lines the way it was in 2024, with injuries eroding defensive depth and the offensive line being too young in the early part of the season, especially at Michigan.