The saga of Bear Alexander during his time with the USC Trojans has been nothing short of eventful. After transferring from Georgia, Alexander quickly became a defensive cornerstone and capped off an impressive 2023 season. Expectations soared when Coach Henderson joined the staff in January, fueling hopes that Alexander would elevate his game to become one of the Big Ten’s top defensive players.
However, trouble began brewing before spring practices, with rumors circulating about Alexander’s dissatisfaction with his NIL deal. A late effort kept him committed through spring and fall camp, but tensions surfaced again after he perceived a diminished role in the third game of the season against Michigan. Frustration spilled onto social media, with one of his family members openly criticizing coaches and teammates.
Head coach Lincoln Riley initially downplayed the situation, claiming all was well. Yet, within 24 hours, Alexander announced his intention to redshirt for the remainder of the season, signaling his plan to enter the transfer portal once again.
Now, the saga has taken an unexpected turn. On Saturday, Alexander posted a photo of himself in Athens wearing a Georgia shirt, sparking speculation about a potential return to his former team. However, reports from a UGA Rivals message board suggest Georgia has no plans to welcome him back. While he may have attended the game as a fan, sources indicate he was not invited as a program guest.
Despite the drama that has followed Alexander throughout his collegiate career, it’s likely that another program will take a chance on his talent. However, it remains uncertain if that will be at a top-tier school or a smaller program. Coaches often exchange insights about players, and how USC’s staff frames their experience with Alexander could influence his future opportunities.
For now, the question remains: Can Bear Alexander find stability and success in the next chapter of his career? Regardless of where he ends up, we hope he discovers what he’s searching for.
