Former Auburn cornerback Keionte Scott is officially on the move again. After two seasons with the Tigers, Scott entered the transfer portal this spring and has now announced his commitment to his third college football program: the USC Trojans. The announcement marks another chapter in Scott’s journey through the college football landscape, one that has taken him from junior college to the SEC, and now to the Pac-12’s most storied program as it transitions to Big Ten play in 2025.
Scott, who began his career at Snow College, emerged as one of the top junior college defensive backs in the nation during the 2021 season. His blend of speed, physicality, and coverage skills attracted attention from major programs across the country, eventually leading to his commitment to Auburn. Once on the Plains, Scott quickly carved out a role as one of the Tigers’ most dependable defenders, starting in the secondary and also contributing as a return specialist. His versatility and leadership became essential to Auburn’s defensive scheme, particularly during a turbulent stretch that saw coaching changes and inconsistent results on the field.
In 2022, Scott appeared in 11 games for Auburn, starting seven of them. He recorded 53 total tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception while also making a significant impact on special teams. His ability to read offenses, close quickly on the ball, and bring physicality to the edge earned praise from both teammates and coaches. Despite Auburn’s up-and-down performance as a team, Scott stood out as a consistent playmaker. That trend continued into the 2023 season, where he further solidified his role in the Tigers’ defense, totaling 46 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions while continuing to make his presence known in punt coverage and on returns.
However, as Auburn’s coaching staff evolved and the team began reshaping its roster through both recruiting and the portal, Scott found himself at a crossroads. With younger players emerging and a new system being implemented under head coach Hugh Freeze, Scott entered the transfer portal shortly after the spring practice window opened in early April. His departure was met with a mix of disappointment and appreciation from the Auburn community. Many fans took to social media to thank Scott for his commitment and toughness, recognizing his contributions during a challenging period for the program.
Scott’s decision to transfer again wasn’t entirely unexpected. Throughout the offseason, there had been whispers that the veteran defensive back was exploring options that could elevate his NFL draft stock while also giving him a fresh start in a new environment. As a graduate transfer with immediate eligibility, Scott became one of the most sought-after defensive backs available in the portal. Programs from the ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 reportedly reached out, but USC quickly emerged as a frontrunner thanks to its aggressive pursuit and clear need for experienced help in the secondary.
The Trojans have been retooling their defense after a shaky 2024 campaign that saw them fall short of expectations in the final year of Pac-12 play. Under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, USC is looking to rebuild a unit that struggled with consistency and depth, particularly in the defensive backfield. Adding a proven SEC-caliber defender like Scott fits perfectly into that vision. His ability to play both on the outside and in the nickel gives Lynn flexibility, and his experience in high-pressure environments will be invaluable as USC transitions to the physical brand of football awaiting them in the Big Ten.
For Scott, the move represents more than just a new team—it’s a chance to reset, reassert his talents, and make a final push toward the NFL. “I want to thank Auburn for everything they’ve done for me,” Scott said in a statement posted to social media. “From my teammates to the coaches to the fans, it’s been a blessing to wear the orange and blue. But I’m excited for this next chapter. I’m ready to get to work and help USC win.”
Scott’s commitment is also notable in the broader context of the evolving transfer portal landscape. His path—junior college to Auburn to USC—reflects the increased mobility players now have in shaping their careers. Gone are the days when a player might sit for years behind a starter or be locked into a system that doesn’t fit. For players like Scott, the portal offers a real opportunity to find the right fit, both on and off the field, and to maximize their exposure before making a leap to the professional level.
From a tactical standpoint, Scott’s arrival at USC is expected to bolster a defense that gave up too many big plays in 2024 and lacked consistent playmakers on the back end. His ability to jam receivers at the line, track the ball in the air, and offer run support makes him a three-down player capable of impacting games in multiple ways. The Trojans struggled with injuries and communication breakdowns in their secondary last season, often rotating through multiple defensive backs in search of answers. Scott’s presence should bring some much-needed stability.
Off the field, Scott also brings leadership and a mature perspective. His teammates at Auburn often credited him for his vocal presence in the locker room and his commitment to film study and preparation. That kind of veteran mindset will be essential for a USC program looking to reestablish itself as a national contender, especially with a high-profile schedule that includes Big Ten heavyweights like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.
There’s also the question of what this move means for Scott’s NFL aspirations. While his time at Auburn certainly put him on the radar for scouts, a strong season in Los Angeles—against some of the most physical and talented receivers in the country—could elevate his draft stock significantly. USC offers a large media market, national TV exposure, and a legacy of producing NFL talent that should appeal to any draft-eligible player. If Scott can lock down a starting role, deliver consistent performances, and stay healthy, he could hear his name called next April.
In the meantime, USC fans will get their first real look at Scott during fall camp, where competition in the secondary is expected to be fierce. The Trojans return several young but unproven defensive backs, and the coaching staff will be counting on Scott’s experience to help anchor the unit. Whether he lines up at cornerback or slides into a nickel or hybrid role remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he’ll be a central piece of USC’s defensive identity in 2025.
As for Auburn, Scott’s departure creates a gap in the secondary, but the Tigers have been active in recruiting and the portal themselves, seeking to build a younger, faster defensive unit that fits Freeze’s long-term vision. The coaching staff expressed support for Scott’s decision, noting the changing nature of college football and the importance of doing what’s best for each individual athlete. In an era where loyalty is often tested by opportunity and fit, both sides appear to be parting on good terms.
Ultimately, Keionte Scott’s journey is one that underscores both the challenges and opportunities of modern college football. He’s navigated coaching changes, adapted to new systems, and consistently performed at a high level. Now, he’s betting on himself one more time, hoping that a fresh start at USC will be the final piece he needs to fulfill his dream of reaching the NFL. For a player who’s already proven he can thrive in multiple environments, there’s every reason to believe he’ll make the most of this next chapter.
What are your thoughts on Scott’s transfer and fit with USC?