USC men's basketball just got a major boost for the 2026-27 season, landing experienced Evansville forward Joshua Hughes from the transfer portal. The 6-foot-10 rising senior, who has one year of NCAA eligibility left, committed to the Trojans on Thursday, according to his agent Jonathon Mines of Rise Sports Management.
Hughes brings both size and veteran savvy to a relatively young USC squad. Over the last two seasons, he was a full-time starter for the Purple Aces, steadily improving each year. Last season, he averaged a career-high 9.3 points, along with 4.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists over 32 games, playing nearly 28 minutes per contest. His scoring jumped from 6.6 points as a freshman to 7.2 as a sophomore, showcasing a consistent upward trajectory.
But Hughes isn't just a stat-sheet filler—he's got international experience that adds another layer to his game. Before joining Evansville in 2023, he played semi-professional ball in Australia's NBL1 and represented his home country at the U17 World Cup in 2022. That background could prove invaluable as USC aims to build a more competitive, battle-tested roster.
Hughes is the fourth transfer portal addition for the Trojans this offseason, joining Georgetown guard KJ Lewis, UConn center Eric Reibe, and Colgate guard Jalen Cox. They'll pair with returning guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas, who recently pulled his name from the 2026 NBA Draft after testing the waters as an early entry candidate. Fellow forward Jacob Cofie also declared for the draft but committed to USC on April 21 and has until May 27 to decide on his return.
Looking ahead, the Trojans are also welcoming incoming freshmen Christian Collins and twins Adonis and Daris Ratliff. With this infusion of talent and experience, USC is aiming to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2023. For fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory—and Hughes might just be the missing piece to get the Trojans dancing again.