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Baker-Mazara’s impact at USC

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Baker-Mazara, who will be turning 26 next January, brings a wealth of experience to USC. He averaged 12.3 points and led the team in steals (1.2 per game) during his time at Auburn. His commitment marks the eighth transfer portal pickup for the Trojans, with former Maryland guard Rodney Rice and Virginia forward Jacob Cofie among the notable additions.

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USC’s offseason roster shake-up

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USC has been active in the transfer portal, adding several key pieces while also saying goodbye to some of its top scorers from last season, including guards Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III. The Trojans finished with a 17-18 record in the 2024-25 season under Musselman.

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Baker-Mazara’s age and eligibility

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Despite his age, Baker-Mazara has remaining college eligibility due to the COVID-19 waiver given to players who competed during the altered 2020-21 season. This past December, a federal judge in Tennessee granted an injunction in a case concerning Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, which benefited Baker-Mazara’s eligibility status.

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“Dreams turned into reality!!” Baker-Mazara wrote on social media. “Let’s go to work!!”

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SEC ACCOLADES AND PORTAL RANKINGS

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• Baker-Mazara earned third-team All-SEC honors during his time at Auburn.

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• He is currently rated as the No. 24 player in the portal by 247Sports.

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What’s next for Chad Baker-Mazara and USC?

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Baker-Mazara’s commitment is a significant pickup for USC, not only because of his age but also due to the impact he can have on a Trojans team aiming for a Big Ten title. Fans eagerly await the start of the 2025-26 season to see Baker-Mazara in action under Musselman’s guidance.

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