Less than a day after his stepbrother, Oregon State linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, announced his transfer to USC, Beavers defensive back Akili Arnold followed suit Sunday morning.

Both coveted transfers took a visit to USC this weekend and address major needs for the Trojans.

Akili Arnold played free safety and nickel for Oregon State this year, racking up 60 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. He's been a contributor for the Beavers the last four seasons (has played five seasons) and was a rotation piece last year before becoming one of the key cogs on the defense in 2023.

USC is still waiting for formal draft declarations and decisions from several players in the secondary, but it's possible the Trojans will return no proven starters at safety (in addition to losing top cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace) if Calen Bullock heads to the NFL and Bryson Shaw and Max Williams don't return. Either or both could also come back, and Jaylin Smith should return at nickel.

But the fact remains USC's secondary struggled as a unit and more depth and talent is needed across the board.

The Arnolds are USC's third and fourth transfer additions this month, following Michigan State long-snapper Hank Pepper and Vanderbilt defensive lineman Nate Clifton.