BREAKING: USC Trojans DT Bear Alexander Reportedly Will Redshirt

Merely 24 hours after USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley said “ There’s no story there ” in regards to Bear Alexander, we have learned that that defensive tackle intends to redshirt the rest of the year.

This comes after Alexander played 21 snaps against Michigan (roughly a third of the total defensive snaps), and took to social media to voice his frustration.

Alexander’s guardian, Tony Jones, also took to social media to voice his frustration and support for Bear as the best defensive tackle in the nation.

USC Trojans DT Bear Alexander Reportedly Will Redshirt

Connor Morrissette of 247 Sports , was the first to report on the news stating that Jones said in a text, “He’s taking the shirt.”

Alexander practiced on Tuesday when Coach Riley told the media it was a non-story, but he was not at practice on Wednesday.

After redshirting for the rest of this season, Alexander will reportedly hit the transfer portal.

This leaves USC with four defensive linemen who have played in the Trojans three games, Nate Clifton, Gavin Meyer, Kobe Pepe, and Devan Thompkins. True freshmen Jide Abasiri and Carlon Jones (back at practice after being injured), figure to get some valuable reps as they will be needed for depth.

We will continue to update this story as more develops.

More must-reads:

• NFL Scout Heaps Praise on USC Trojans Defender
• Lincoln Riley On Bear Alexander: “There’s No Story There”
• Five Takeaways For USC Football Moving Forward