The USC Trojans have had 14 scholarship players exit through the transfer portal this cycle. They’ve lost key players such as Duce Robinson, Kyron Hudson, and the Branch Brothers (Zachariah Branch and Zion Branch). This has increased media scrutiny of the program and raised curiosity about the state of their dwindling roster.
However, some players, such as EDGE Braylan Shelby, have chosen to remain loyal to USC.
Braylan Shelby Confirms Decision to Not Transfer
In a recent interview with reporters, Shelby gave Trojans fans his thoughts on the players who had chosen to leave, as well as his reasons for staying with the program.
Another big retention for USC in 2025: Edge Braylan Shelby confirmed he won’t enter the portal when asked today, will stay at USC.
“I’ve just been faithful. SC brought me in, they brought me home, and I trust the process.” pic.twitter.com/7nLNlYrHDR
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) December 19, 2024
Lincoln Riley has had a drawn-out battle with the Texas Longhorns over Shelby, a 6’4″, 235-pound defensive star. It had been reported that Texas pursued a commitment from Shelby and had no intention of letting up.
However, in a recent interview, Shelby confirmed his commitment to the Trojans amidst the transfer portal drama that now surrounds the program.
Shelby was addressed with those concerns: “You’re obviously here, would that signal that you’re going to stay at USC and not hit the portal? If so, what made you have that decision?”
Shelby offered a humble response while emphasizing his loyalty to USC.
“I’ve just been faithful, USC brought me in, they brought me home and I trust the process,” Shelby said. “I trust Lincoln (Riley) and I mean I’m just staying here sticking it out. Really just loving it here and I appreciate everybody that’s been here for me. All the people that mentor me here and I mean, just staying here.”
And to the question of whether or not he had plans to hit the portal, Shelby replied with a simple, “Nah.”
Shelby Gives Take on Trojans Players Leaving the Program
With 19 of USC’s players leaving the program within just nine days, Riley, his players, and Trojans fans are bound to feel a lingering sense of disappointment. But for Shelby, all that matters is his team’s upcoming bowl game.
“Practice has been fun,” Shelby said. “Coming out here with the guys, kind of just working out, getting better at our skills, just really like keying in on our skills and all of that.”
MORE: Track Every Player’s Movement in CFN’s Exclusive Transfer Portal Tracker
When asked about the prep for Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl, Shelby emphasized the work on the practice field by all the Trojans left in the building.
“The decision they make is the best for them and I wish the best of luck towards them, but right now, we kind of just got to focus on the game ahead of us,” Shelby said. “Las Vegas, getting there and kind of just handle the business when we get there. But I wish the best of luck to all my guys and I appreciate them.”
“I appreciate everything they’ve done for us and I wish them the best of luck.”
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