USC Basketball Roster: 11 New Faces Join Three Returning Veterans

The University of Southern California men's basketball program enters the 2026-27 season with a roster that blends returning veterans, seasoned transfers, and a group of high-profile freshmen. Head coach Eric Musselman, in his third year at the helm, faces a roster turnover that he describes as a mix of new faces and persistent injury hurdles.

Last season saw the departure of five players, including forward Ezra Ausar, who signed with the Miami Heat on October 15, 2025. Ausar averaged 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in his final year at USC. Forward Chad Baker-Mazara was dismissed on March 1, 2025, and is currently suing the university and Musselman over an NIL contract dispute. Guards Jerry Easter II and Jordan Marsh transferred to Oregon and Temple, respectively, while midseason transfer Kam Woods left the program after averaging 8.8 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Three key contributors from the previous campaign returned to the team. Guard Alijah Arenas, who missed the first 18 games last year due to a torn meniscus, averaged 14.1 points in the second half of his freshman season. Forward Jacob Cofie, who ranked 41st nationally with 1.75 blocks per game, withdrew from the NBA draft to return for a sophomore year. Guard Rodney Rice, who averaged 20.3 points in the six games he played last season after a shoulder injury, also returned to the roster.

The 2026-27 roster expands significantly with the addition of eleven new players. This group includes senior transfer Jalen Cox from Colgate, who led his team with 5.3 assists per game, and KJ Lewis, the leading scorer at Georgetown with 14.9 points per game. The team also added international center Onyeka Joe Agu, who played in Belgium and the Netherlands, and Eric Reibe, a true center from UConn who shot 65.8% from the field last season.

The freshman class features three McDonald's All-Americans and a top-five recruit. Twin brothers Adonis and Darius Ratliff join the program from Archbishop Stepinac High School, where they averaged 12.3 points and 9.5 points, respectively, in their senior years. Christian Collins, ranked No. 5 by ESPN, arrived from St. John Bosco High School but is dealing with a foot injury that will delay his start.

Musselman noted that the team is working to integrate new players while managing health issues. "The most challenging thing is certainly new players, but maybe more challenging has been the injuries. We're inching closer to being more whole," he said. Several new additions, including transfer Isaac Bruns and freshman Collins, are currently sidelined with foot injuries, while Reibe is expected to return to action in January.

The roster now stands at a depth of 14 players, with the coaching staff relying on the experience of returning players to guide the new recruits. The team's early schedule will test their ability to coalesce despite the pre-season absences.