Former Five-Star QB Sam Huard Transfers to USC for 2025 Season

Former five-star quarterback Sam Huard is set to join the University of Southern California (USC) for the 2025 college football season, marking his fourth school in five years. The transfer was confirmed Monday by 247Sports, with Huard retweeting the announcement. Huard, who began his collegiate career at Washington, later played at Cal Poly and Utah before committing to USC.

Huard, the nephew of USC quarterbacks coach Luke Huard, will now have the opportunity to work under head coach Lincoln Riley, renowned for developing elite quarterbacks. Despite his high-profile recruitment as the No. 3 pro-style quarterback in the 2021 class, Huard has yet to fulfill his potential at the collegiate level. He appeared in just five games at Washington, attempting 44 passes, before transferring to Cal Poly, where he threw for 2,205 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023.

Huard missed the 2024 season at Utah due to an undisclosed injury that required surgery, allowing him to retain two years of eligibility. At USC, he is expected to take on a third-string role behind projected starter Jayden Maiava and highly touted freshman Husan Longstreet, a 4-star recruit ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2025 class.

USC’s quarterback room needed depth after Jake Jensen transferred to Montana. Huard’s addition provides experience and a familial connection to the program, as his uncle Luke Huard serves as the team’s quarterbacks coach. Huard’s father, Damon Huard, also had a successful career as a quarterback at Washington and in the NFL.

While Huard’s collegiate journey has been marked by setbacks, his move to USC offers a chance to refine his skills under Riley’s guidance. The Trojans, coming off a 7-6 season, are looking to rebound in 2025 with a revamped roster and a focus on developing their quarterback talent.