The Oregon Ducks returned to the transfer portal trail and landed former top 100 defensive lineman Bear Alexander Friday night, he announced on social media.
"It’s time to claim what’s rightfully yours," Alexander wrote. "Had a few setbacks but never set back!!!"
The Ducks are Alexander's third team in four seasons. According to On3 national recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett, Alexander, who began his career at Georgia before ending up at USC, chose the Big Ten champion Ducks over the likes of fellow national championship hopefuls Penn State and SMU.
Alexander ranks as the fourth-best defensive lineman transfer in the country, according to 247 Sports.
Alexander saw limited action at USC this past season, only playing in three games before deciding to redshirt for the remainder of the season. After transferring from then-national-champion Georgia, Alexander was productive at USC in 2023. He secured 48 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and earned a Phil Steele All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.
While the Ducks are seeking their first football national title in school history, Alexander is a key pickup for another reason: NIL. The Ducks currently have a $23 million budget, and Alexander immediately fits into that discussion.
Alexander has been scrutinized for not staying loyal to any of the programs he has played with thus far. Without even playing in Eugene yet, fans are already blasting him, assuming he won't last more than a season.
In this new NIL-crazed transfer portal era, Alexander is one of several players who have found a new team during an already underway bowl season. He won't be the last, much less someone attempting to find the best situation for his future, NFL or not.
The Ducks play the winner of Ohio State-Tennessee in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, as they were one of four conference champions to earn a first-round bye.
