As part of a crowded USC running back room that is likely to retain most of its key pieces over the offseason, former four-star recruit Bryan Jackson is reportedly preparing to enter the transfer portal ahead of his junior season. The news was first reported by On3 on Monday.

While Jackson was the highest-profile announcement Monday, two other former four-star recruits in redshirt freshman wide receiver DJ Jordan and redshirt freshman cornerback Braylon Conley also announced their intent to enter the portal, which will open on Jan. 2, 2026.

Jackson began the season as USC’s third-string running back behind junior Waymond Jordan and redshirt senior Eli Sanders — both of whom went down with injuries in the Trojans’ week six win over Michigan. However, a breakout performance from redshirt freshman walk-on King Miller, who accrued a Big Ten seventh-best 873 rushing yards this season, pushed Jackson to the background as a backup for most of the rest of the season.

With Waymond Jordan expected to return in 2026 after an injury kept him sidelined for most of the season, Jackson was projected to be the third-string back again next season, with freshmen Harry Dalton and Riley Wormley as well as potential incoming recruits hoping to rise up the ranks.

Though Jackson only got 36 carries and two receptions throughout the season, he was a consistent presence in USC’s goal line offense, including two tough, short touchdown runs during a critical 26-21 win over then-ranked Iowa on Nov. 16. Jackson’s two other scores came in his first two games of the season — a run-dominated season-opening win over Missouri State University that saw USC’s top four running backs score and his return from injury against Michigan.

Ahead of the Michigan game, Jackson was listed as out on the Big Ten’s Availability Report, which led to the conference fining USC $5,000 for violating conference rules by allowing him to play. Jackson was recovering from turf toe, which sidelined him for four games before he returned against the Wolverines. 

Jackson saw minimal play time during his freshman season, only earning rushes in six games, though a heightened volume during USC’s bowl win over Texas A&M signaled he may have a bigger role this season. Against the Aggies, he took 16 of his 36 rushes, went for 66 of his 188 yards and scored his only touchdown of the 2024 season.

Before coming to USC, Jackson racked up multiple high school awards, leading to his four-star recruit status. He was particularly a favorite prospect of Rivals, which ranked him as the No. 27 running back in the nation and the No. 64 player in Texas. ESPN had Jackson as the No. 44 running back and No. 82 player in Texas, while On3 and 247 Sports were in the same range but slightly lower.

DJ Jordan’s plan to enter the transfer portal was also first reported by On3 on Monday. DJ Jordan, the Trojans’ sixth-string receiver this season, took snaps in four games where he caught five passes for 38 yards after seeing no game action during his true freshman season.

Conley, who played in eight games for USC this season and started two, announced his intent to enter the transfer portal in a post on X on Monday. He amassed 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup in eight games and two starts this season.