USC Bolsters Defensive Line with Experienced Transfers

The University of Southern California has added two key transfers to its defensive line, aiming to strengthen its performance within the competitive Big Ten conference. Defensive end Zuriah Fisher, formerly of Penn State, and defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren, from Michigan State, are expected to bring a much-needed edge to the Trojans’ defense.

“Brought Up to Be Tough” – Fisher’s Aliquippa Roots

Zuriah Fisher’s upbringing in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a town known for producing NFL talent like Darrelle Revis, Mike Ditka, and Ty Law, instilled in him a relentless competitive spirit. “We’re just always brought up to be tough,” Fisher told reporters. “Don’t let nobody play with you, you gotta be physical. When you play, you gotta win. You gotta be on your A-plus performance. It’s just natural for us out there.”

Focus on Finishing and Technique

Fisher arrived at USC already familiar with linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson, a former Penn State teammate, and defensive end coach Shaun Nua. In 2025, he recorded a season-best 19 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. He believes refining his technique under Coach Nua will unlock his full potential. “I ain’t have enough sacks last year, but I feel like I just ain’t finished enough last year,” Fisher said. “I like how [Nua] coached. I came in and went over my film at my previous school, and I liked how he coached me up, things I need to get better at.”

VanSumeren Driven by Family Success

Alex VanSumeren joins Fisher as another experienced addition to the Trojans’ defensive front. The redshirt senior recorded 52 total tackles and two tackles for a loss of 10 yards in his final season at Michigan State. He started in 24 of his 28 career games with the Spartans.

Inspired by a Super Bowl Champion

VanSumeren’s motivation stems from his older brother, Ben, a Super Bowl champion fullback with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025. “Seeing him be where he’s at, win the Super Bowl, have a ring – it’s at my house, with my pops right now,” VanSumeren told reporters. “Seeing that is the greatest motivation you could have. And I was actually on the field with him after the game, so that’s just inspiring seeing him, and it makes me want to go do that and more.”

Riley Targets “Blue-Collar Toughness”

Head coach Lincoln Riley specifically sought players like Fisher and VanSumeren to bolster the Trojans’ defensive line. “He does bring some of that blue-collar toughness, some real attitude, which was something that we targeted,” Riley told reporters. “We talked about it a lot in the portal and specifically on the D-line with him and VanSumeren was, like, we need a couple guys that have been in the wars. We need a couple guys that are older, that have some experience to pair with what this group has.”

Addressing Defensive Rankings

In 2025, the Trojans ranked 13th out of 18 Big Ten teams in total defense, allowing 207.5 passing yards per game (9th) and 143.2 rushing yards per game (12th). The addition of Fisher and VanSumeren aims to improve these rankings and provide a stronger defensive presence.