In a very busy and rumor-filled offseason, USC men’s basketball Head Coach Eric Musselman and his squad have added several new Trojans to the roster in hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in Musselman’s two years of reign. 

The loss of five graduating players and four to the transfer portal left several gaps on the team, even with the No. 3 transfer class for the class of 2026. The Ratliff twins will help combat junior center Gabe Dynes’ departure, while five-star Christian Collins will be a perfect complement to star freshman guard Alijah Arenas.

After three starters in junior guard Rodney Rice, sophomore forward Jacob Cofie and Arenas confirmed their return for the upcoming season, Musselman recruited three more players from the portal, rounding out a roster that looks to be one of the country’s best in 2026-27.

Height and experience will complement young guards

Joshua Hughes, a 6-foot-10 junior forward from the University of Evansville, signed with USC on May 8 after starting in all 32 games for the Aces last season, 18 of which he finished in double figures. Hughes also has international experience, playing in the U17 World Cup for Australia in 2022. 

“Josh provides us with tremendous leadership and experience. With Josh’s size and shooting, he provides the team with great versatility,” Musselman said in a press release.

Aaron Hunkin-Claytor also signed with the Trojans on May 8. The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard from the University of Hawai’i averaged 6.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in the 17 matchups he played in last season. 

Junior guard Jalen Cox, a Los Angeles native, officially signed with USC on May 11 after committing to the program in April. In three seasons at Colgate University, Cox averaged 11.2 points per game and was named to the Patriot League All-Defensive Team twice. 

The three signees will join 7-foot-1 UConn transfer Eric Reibe, who signed with the Trojans in April. Junior guard Isaac Bruns and sophomore guard Jadis Jones have also committed to USC, but have yet to join the roster officially.

Big Ten releases home and road opponents

The Big Ten also announced the home and road opponents for each team in the conference May 12, slating a slightly more difficult home schedule for USC. 

Last year, the Trojans finished 7-13 in conference play, punctuated by an abysmal eight-game losing streak to finish the season. They also finished the season 9-7 at home, winning just three home conference matches. 

USC started Big Ten road play in Oregon last year, starting the season off with a win. Their first cross-country conference road trip started in Michigan, as the Trojans lost the two road matchups against the eventual NCAA Champion, Michigan, as well as Michigan State. For the 2026-27 season, the Trojans will have the opportunity for redemption at home against these top teams. 

Similar to previous years, former Pac-12 opponents — UCLA, Oregon and Washington — will be played at both home and on the road.

USC will also take on Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State to finish out its home conference schedule. 

The Trojans struggled mightily against their future home opponents last year, finishing a combined 4-9 in conference play against them.  

However, with the new transfer portal additions to a stellar freshman class and the return of three key starters, the Trojans are seeking to shake up the lineup for next year and use home-field advantage to fight for a potential Big Ten championship and March Madness appearance.