In an exciting development for USC football, the Trojans have strengthened their defensive lineup by securing a transfer from Penn State defensive end Zuriah Fisher, who has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. This move is set to enhance USC’s defensive capabilities further.
Fisher, who is entering his fifth year as a redshirt senior, had a noteworthy season with the Nittany Lions in which he played in 11 games, achieving his most impressive stats to date. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 265 pounds, he recorded a total of 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), and two sacks, along with forcing a fumble during the season.
Former head coach James Franklin expressed considerable optimism about Fisher’s potential impact prior to this past season, stating, "I think internally within our program, there is a lot of confidence that Fish has got a chance to have a big year. He’s one of those guys that I don’t think anybody’s talking about right now outside of the program, based on not seeing him recently, but there’s a lot of excitement internally, with our players, with our staff. I think those things are really apparent." This sentiment speaks volumes about the regard in which Fisher is held by those close to the program.
After a year sidelined by injury in 2024, which granted him a medical redshirt, Fisher returned strong in 2023, participating in all 13 games and accumulating 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Over his first three years with Penn State, he played in a total of 10 games, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Being part of the Class of 2020, Fisher is anticipated to have one final year of eligibility to play with the Trojans. During his high school career, he was recognized as a four-star prospect, ranking as the No. 320 overall recruit in the nation and the No. 20 EDGE player in his class.
Now, after completing six years in college football this past fall, Fisher is looking for a breakout opportunity in Los Angeles. The Trojans are likely to return their top three pass rushers, underclassmen Kameryn Crawford, Jide Abasiri, and Braylan Shelby, who collectively accounted for 13.5 sacks last season. Additionally, USC is welcoming one of the top defensive end recruits in the country, five-star Luke Wafle. With such an influx of young talent, Fisher's veteran experience could significantly boost the Trojans’ efforts, potentially positioning them among the elite pass-rushing teams in the nation next year.
