USC women land UC Davis’ Ryann Bennett, add another 5-star freshman
Bennett, who was UC Davis’ leading scorer last season, and Spanish forward/center Sara Okeke were announced as the newest Trojans this week
USC has added UC Davis guard Ryann Bennett via the transfer portal. A product of Long Beach St. Anthony, Bennett averaged a team-high 15.3 ppg for the Aggies last season and 1.6 steals per game. (Big West Conference)
Haley Sawyer (OC Register) — The USC women’s basketball team has officially landed its first transfer of the spring this week in 5-foot-8 guard Ryann Bennett, who was the leading scorer at UC Davis last season.
Bennett posted photos of herself in a USC uniform on Wednesday evening with the caption “#fighton.” Trojans guard Kennedy Smith was one of the first to reply, commenting, “ME AND BESTIE REUINITED.”
Bennett, who is from Long Beach and prepped at St. Anthony, averaged a team-high 15.3 points per game for the Aggies this season and set a new career-high in points on three separate occasions. She also led the team in steals with 1.6 per game.
“I have known Ryann for years and she’s always been a competitor, a winner and someone who elevates teams,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a press release on Friday. “She has proven at the collegiate level to also be someone who can score, create for others and bring a high IQ to the court.”
The rising junior joins a 2026-27 USC roster that is loaded with talent. A healthy JuJu Watkins is expected to return, alongside reigning Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson and Smith, a 6-foot-1 guard who averaged 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds this season.
USC announced on Wednesday morning that it had signed Spanish forward/center Sara Okeke, making her the third five-star prospect of the freshman class, along with Sitaya Fagan and Saniyah Hall. The trio makes up the nation’s No. 1 2026 recruiting class in ESPN’s rankings.
“Sara is an elite talent who brings size, athleticism, skill and endless upside to our frontcourt,” head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a press release. “She is relentless on both sides of the ball, as well as on the glass. Her fit with our program is ideal. Beyond the court, Sara is an exceptional young woman with a story that I know will inspire many as she becomes a fixture in Los Angeles and amongst the USC community.”
The primary thing the Trojans desperately needed to address was their lack of size on the roster and they recently did so with the signing of Florida State junior center Pania Davis out of the transfer portal.
The 6-foot-6 Davis is coming off averaging 7.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and a block per game this season. More importantly she fills the Trojans’ most glaring offseason hole, which was the lack of an interior presence. USC’s star power is a bit top heavy in favor of the guard position. But the addition of Davis helps flesh out a front court that could be substantially more dangerous.
The women’s basketball transfer portal opened on April 6. The final day of the 15-day entry window is April 20.
Current Trojan WBB roster
Guards (6):
Ryann Bennett | 5-8 | Jr.
Jazzy Davidson | 6-1 | Soph.
Rian Forestier | 5-11 | Jr.
Brooklyn Shamblin | 5-9 | Jr.
Kennedy Smith | 6-1 | Jr.
JuJu Watkins | 6-2 | R-Jr.
Forwards (5): Sitaya Fagan | 6-4 | Fr.
Saniyah Hall | 6-2 | Fr.
Sara Okeke | 6-4 | Fr.
Laura Williams | 6-2 | R-Soph.
Pania Davis | 6-6 | Sr. (below)
TrojanDailyBlog members — We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.
SUBSCRIBE HERE TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF NEW COMMENTS OR REPLIES.
Eric Rebie transfers in from U CONN. Jacob Cofie is returning Rice and KJ Lewis give USC a great back court..Arenas? Don’t know, hope he returns, but he has baggage. All of a sudden, prospects for men’s basketball are looking up.
Over the last 10 years from 2016–2025, ALA produced the most opening-round picks of any school with 32. Here are USC’s first-rounders (seven) since 2016: — 2017: CB Adoree’ Jackson (18th overall, Tennessee Titans) — 2018: QB Sam Darnold (3rd overall, New York Jets) — 2020: OL Austin Jackson (18th overall, Miami Dolphins) — 2021: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (14th overall, New York Jets) — 2022: WR Drake London (8th overall, Atlanta Falcons) — 2023: WR Jordan Addison (23rd overall, Minnesota Vikings) — 2024: QB Caleb Williams (1st overall, Chicago Bears) 2016, 2019, 2025: No first-round picks Makai Lemon will likely be a mid first-rounder. Many project Lemon will be taken by the Rams with pick… Read more »
Not many here are going to question Cignetti’s success going forward. Annual Natty? Of course not. We can always look back at the legendary HC’s past and present, and see several common denominators that are considered mandatories for such greatness. It puzzles me that these factors are still minimized with some big dollar, not necessarily successful HC’s. A few minutes of study and you can see they have essentially the same belief systems, focus, discipline, adherence to CFB statistical success principles (ex: essential power run game with complimentary pass game; top 10 defense ), and a successful mentor or two.… Read more »
The Curt Cignetti Way, even at Chipotle … “We’ve got a way of doing things,” Cignetti said. “How you do something is how you do everything. Consistency, performance is the key to the drill. So right now we’re teaching guys not only scheme, but standards, expectations, and how we want to play the game between the white lines, and I see us making progress.” With nearly 40 freshmen and transfers, these 2026 Hoosiers look significantly different from the group that went 16-0, but winning the national championship hasn’t changed anything about Cignetti’s blueprint. It only codified it. Practices are short… Read more »
I’m not skeptical at all. He’s a winner, maybe the best of the Saban coaching tree. I would guess the ’26 season will go like his ’24 season. Getting to the playoffs consistently and an occasional NC is the measure of success for CFC now.
No, not skeptical, he is a good coach and will be competitive most years……… but it’s a totally different team this year. Some new asst coaches, including the QB coach were hired. The QB had an above 72% completion percentage. Is he Brady…..who knows. To expect that type of percentage every year…….no. I also recall a close 13-10 win against Ohio State, a near loss to Iowa, a near loss to Penn St. Watched every one of those games and they all were razor close. So, as I stated…..we will see. Indiana does not have the NIL ability of several… Read more »
Here’s what AI says about Cignetti and IU now: Factors for Continued Success in 2026 — Elite Coaching Continuity: Cignetti signed a contract extension in early 2026 worth $13.2 million annually. Crucially, both offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and Broyles Award-winning defensive coordinator Bryant Haines are under multi-year contracts, providing rare long-term stability. — Elite Roster Additions: To replace departing stars, IU landed one of the nation’s top transfer classes. The 2026 roster is headlined by TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover and high-profile skill players like WR Nick Marsh and RB Turbo Richard. — Returning Core Leaders: The Hoosiers return critical starters on both lines, including All-Big Ten left tackle Carter Smith and defensive anchor Tyrique… Read more »
I know Indiana lost so many players from last year. But Cignetti is a unicorn, and no matter who he rolls out there, the Hoosiers are going to be dangerous. Let’s not forget he took a historically bottom dwelling program and won a national championship, in 2 years!!!
What’s interesting is his approach is much different that Riley’s, particularly at the QB position. Whereas LR is out recruiting for his next great QB, Cignetti doesn’t bother with it, he just goes out and buys the most experienced upper-classman winner he can find. This year is the 3rd time he’s done it since at Indiana. Why pay millions for an unproven kid, spend the same on a seasoned veteran instead. I tend to agree with his approach, there’s a huge difference between a 19 year old and a 21 year old running your offense.
Cignetti and Riley are so radically different, they defy comparison. Cignetti can win anywhere and he’s proven it with his records and consistent formula. He’s extremely well-rounded and excels in big games, often winning the close ones. Has a 146-37 record (.798) and just finished 16-0, beating MIA for the NC. 27-2 over the last two years. Riley is a QB Whisperer who also values himself as a great play caller (though that description doesn’t always stand up to the facts, especially in the red zone and against good comp). He’s always been deficient in the areas of defense and special teams. Has a… Read more »
Unfortunately, Bob Chesney, the new UCLA coach, wins everywhere too, and I predict he’ll immediately make the Bruins much more of a threat again. Chesney’s overall record is 132-52 (.72%) at Salve Regina (23-9), Assumption (44-16), Holy Cross (44-21) and James Madison (21-6). He hasn’t met a place yet that he can’t handle which is why he rose from schools I’ve never even heard of or knew existed to take over downtrodden UCLA. Smart choice by the Bruins. ORE is 8-2 over USC in the last 10 games. Dan Lanning has been winning at a 48-8 clip (.86) over four… Read more »
Good timing Zach Branch 😂 😂 Former Georgia Bulldogs/USC WR and 2026 NFL Draft prospect Zachariah Branch was arrested by Athens-Clarke County police early Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, on misdemeanor charges. Per arrest report details: Charges: Branch, 22, was booked on two misdemeanor charges of obstruction of a law enforcement officer and obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling. Context: The incident occurred around 1:00 AM in Athens, GA, where Branch was visiting for the team’s spring scrimmage (G-Day). Police Report: A report obtained by NFL Network indicates the arrest followed an officer’s repeated orders for Branch to move out of the way. Release: He was released… Read more »
“Stupid” gets a lot of leeway in the NFL. So does “attitude.” Especially when 4.35 speed is involved.
Branch’s agent can and will argue it’s better to get this stuff out of his system now as opposed to later when it might cost a player games, make a franchise look bad, etc. Branch didn’t get physical. He was “smirking.”
His agent should be able to smooth this over by emphasizing that Branch was seen interacting with Bulldog fans and freely signing autographs throughout the afternoon at GA’s G-Day spring scrimmage.
The rising junior joins a 2026-27 USC roster that is loaded with talent. A healthy JuJu Watkins is expected to return, alongside reigning Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson and Smith, a 6-foot-1 guard who averaged 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds this season.
Eric Rebie transfers in from U CONN. Jacob Cofie is returning Rice and KJ Lewis give USC a great back court..Arenas? Don’t know, hope he returns, but he has baggage. All of a sudden, prospects for men’s basketball are looking up.
Over the last 10 years from 2016–2025, ALA produced the most opening-round picks of any school with 32. Here are USC’s first-rounders (seven) since 2016: — 2017: CB Adoree’ Jackson (18th overall, Tennessee Titans) — 2018: QB Sam Darnold (3rd overall, New York Jets) — 2020: OL Austin Jackson (18th overall, Miami Dolphins) — 2021: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (14th overall, New York Jets) — 2022: WR Drake London (8th overall, Atlanta Falcons) — 2023: WR Jordan Addison (23rd overall, Minnesota Vikings) — 2024: QB Caleb Williams (1st overall, Chicago Bears) 2016, 2019, 2025: No first-round picks Makai Lemon will likely be a mid first-rounder. Many project Lemon will be taken by the Rams with pick… Read more »
Not many here are going to question Cignetti’s success going forward. Annual Natty? Of course not. We can always look back at the legendary HC’s past and present, and see several common denominators that are considered mandatories for such greatness. It puzzles me that these factors are still minimized with some big dollar, not necessarily successful HC’s. A few minutes of study and you can see they have essentially the same belief systems, focus, discipline, adherence to CFB statistical success principles (ex: essential power run game with complimentary pass game; top 10 defense ), and a successful mentor or two.… Read more »
The Curt Cignetti Way, even at Chipotle … “We’ve got a way of doing things,” Cignetti said. “How you do something is how you do everything. Consistency, performance is the key to the drill. So right now we’re teaching guys not only scheme, but standards, expectations, and how we want to play the game between the white lines, and I see us making progress.” With nearly 40 freshmen and transfers, these 2026 Hoosiers look significantly different from the group that went 16-0, but winning the national championship hasn’t changed anything about Cignetti’s blueprint. It only codified it. Practices are short… Read more »
It’s going to be interesting to see how he does this year.
Are you skeptical of his future success? What would you consider to be successful for Cignetti at IU in the future?
I’m not skeptical at all. He’s a winner, maybe the best of the Saban coaching tree. I would guess the ’26 season will go like his ’24 season. Getting to the playoffs consistently and an occasional NC is the measure of success for CFC now.
No, not skeptical, he is a good coach and will be competitive most years……… but it’s a totally different team this year. Some new asst coaches, including the QB coach were hired. The QB had an above 72% completion percentage. Is he Brady…..who knows. To expect that type of percentage every year…….no. I also recall a close 13-10 win against Ohio State, a near loss to Iowa, a near loss to Penn St. Watched every one of those games and they all were razor close. So, as I stated…..we will see. Indiana does not have the NIL ability of several… Read more »
Here’s what AI says about Cignetti and IU now: Factors for Continued Success in 2026 — Elite Coaching Continuity: Cignetti signed a contract extension in early 2026 worth $13.2 million annually. Crucially, both offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and Broyles Award-winning defensive coordinator Bryant Haines are under multi-year contracts, providing rare long-term stability. — Elite Roster Additions: To replace departing stars, IU landed one of the nation’s top transfer classes. The 2026 roster is headlined by TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover and high-profile skill players like WR Nick Marsh and RB Turbo Richard. — Returning Core Leaders: The Hoosiers return critical starters on both lines, including All-Big Ten left tackle Carter Smith and defensive anchor Tyrique… Read more »
Going to be interesting!
I know Indiana lost so many players from last year. But Cignetti is a unicorn, and no matter who he rolls out there, the Hoosiers are going to be dangerous. Let’s not forget he took a historically bottom dwelling program and won a national championship, in 2 years!!!
What’s interesting is his approach is much different that Riley’s, particularly at the QB position. Whereas LR is out recruiting for his next great QB, Cignetti doesn’t bother with it, he just goes out and buys the most experienced upper-classman winner he can find. This year is the 3rd time he’s done it since at Indiana. Why pay millions for an unproven kid, spend the same on a seasoned veteran instead. I tend to agree with his approach, there’s a huge difference between a 19 year old and a 21 year old running your offense.
I think you have opened an interesting discussion on a big topic…..I sure do not know. Things may be changing.
Cignetti and Riley are so radically different, they defy comparison. Cignetti can win anywhere and he’s proven it with his records and consistent formula. He’s extremely well-rounded and excels in big games, often winning the close ones. Has a 146-37 record (.798) and just finished 16-0, beating MIA for the NC. 27-2 over the last two years. Riley is a QB Whisperer who also values himself as a great play caller (though that description doesn’t always stand up to the facts, especially in the red zone and against good comp). He’s always been deficient in the areas of defense and special teams. Has a… Read more »
You say “Cignetti can win anywhere”. That’s why I’m glad he’s so happy where he’s at. I’d hate to see him take the Oregon job or how about UCLA?
Unfortunately, Bob Chesney, the new UCLA coach, wins everywhere too, and I predict he’ll immediately make the Bruins much more of a threat again. Chesney’s overall record is 132-52 (.72%) at Salve Regina (23-9), Assumption (44-16), Holy Cross (44-21) and James Madison (21-6). He hasn’t met a place yet that he can’t handle which is why he rose from schools I’ve never even heard of or knew existed to take over downtrodden UCLA. Smart choice by the Bruins. ORE is 8-2 over USC in the last 10 games. Dan Lanning has been winning at a 48-8 clip (.86) over four… Read more »
Good timing Zach Branch 😂 😂 Former Georgia Bulldogs/USC WR and 2026 NFL Draft prospect Zachariah Branch was arrested by Athens-Clarke County police early Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, on misdemeanor charges. Per arrest report details: Charges: Branch, 22, was booked on two misdemeanor charges of obstruction of a law enforcement officer and obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling. Context: The incident occurred around 1:00 AM in Athens, GA, where Branch was visiting for the team’s spring scrimmage (G-Day). Police Report: A report obtained by NFL Network indicates the arrest followed an officer’s repeated orders for Branch to move out of the way. Release: He was released… Read more »
You break the law, then the government has to enforce the law….HELLLOOOO!! It shouldn’t matter that you are a football star.
May have gotten off easy, no drunk and disorderly, public intoxication. Wonder how much money he just lost by being stupid.
“Stupid” gets a lot of leeway in the NFL. So does “attitude.” Especially when 4.35 speed is involved.
Branch’s agent can and will argue it’s better to get this stuff out of his system now as opposed to later when it might cost a player games, make a franchise look bad, etc. Branch didn’t get physical. He was “smirking.”
His agent should be able to smooth this over by emphasizing that Branch was seen interacting with Bulldog fans and freely signing autographs throughout the afternoon at GA’s G-Day spring scrimmage.
Pania got hops?
Needs to develop a better shot and put on weight per reports. Sounds like she’s got a ways to go, being realistic.