Cardinals Miss Out: Fan-Favorite Transfer Chad Baker-Mazara Chooses USC Over Louisville in Shocking Twist
In a move that stunned much of the Louisville fan base, former Auburn standout Chad Baker-Mazara, one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal, has officially committed to the USC Trojans, bypassing a highly speculated reunion with his former teammate Kasean Pryor and dashing hopes for a red-and-black revival in Kentucky.
The 6-foot-7 wing, who played a pivotal role in Auburn’s Final Four run last season, had been widely linked to Louisville in recent weeks. His close relationship with Pryor—his former teammate—and a shared offseason sighting in the Bahamas sparked speculation and hope among fans that the Cardinals were closing in on landing one of the portal’s most talented and versatile two-way players.
Instead, USC swooped in and closed the deal.
“Baker-Mazara brings elite-level experience and shooting to our roster,” USC head coach [Coach’s Name] said in a statement. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and we’re thrilled to add his skill set to our program as we pursue a championship.”
A Perfect Fit That Wasn’t
Louisville fans had reason to dream. With Kasean Pryor announcing his return and the Cardinals looking to fill one final roster spot, all eyes turned to Baker-Mazara as the missing piece. His stat line from last season at Auburn—12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, along with a scorching 38.1% from three-point range—made him a perfect fit for Coach Pat Kelsey’s vision of a modern, up-tempo, perimeter-heavy attack.
Beyond the numbers, his versatility as a 3-and-D wing with the size to stretch the floor as a small-ball forward was precisely what Louisville needed to fortify their frontcourt and provide defensive balance on the wing.
Yet, despite the potential synergy, Baker-Mazara’s commitment to USC confirms that Louisville was either never seriously in the mix—or simply got edged out by a stronger offer, better fit, or a different vision for his role.
Fans React with Disappointment and Resolve
The announcement triggered a wave of reaction across social media, where Louisville fans expressed frustration, disappointment, and lingering questions about the team’s approach to the portal.
“This one stings,” tweeted a Cardinals fan account. “We had the momentum, the returners, the connection. Chad was tailor-made for this team.”
Others took a more optimistic stance, focusing on the bigger picture and Coach Kelsey’s ongoing efforts to reshape the roster.
“Yeah, losing Baker-Mazara hurts. But let’s not forget, we’ve got a strong core returning and a full summer to finish recruiting right,” another user posted.
What It Means for Louisville
With the window to finalize the 2025–26 roster beginning to narrow, Louisville will now pivot to other targets to fill their last scholarship. Whether they pursue another forward in the portal or shift to a guard depends on available talent and strategic needs.
Coach Kelsey, who is entering a pivotal phase of his tenure at Louisville, now faces the challenge of finding a player who can not only match Baker-Mazara’s production but also integrate quickly into a system that aims to compete at the top tier of the ACC.
“It’s about finding the right player, not just any player,” Kelsey said last week in reference to the open roster spot. “We’re going to be deliberate and get someone who fits our identity.”
Meanwhile, USC Gets a Star
As for USC, the Trojans continue to load up as they prepare for their transition to the Big Ten. With Baker-Mazara now in the fold, USC adds not just an experienced scorer but a proven winner who thrives in high-pressure situations.
His ability to knock down shots, defend multiple positions, and bring Final Four-level poise makes him an immediate contributor on a team with its sights set on March glory.
The Final Word
Louisville may have missed out on their fan-favorite, but the offseason is far from over. The portal remains active, and with a talented returning core, there’s still room for the Cardinals to make a splash.
But one thing is clear: Chad Baker-Mazara’s decision to head west is a tough blow for a program—and a fanbase—that was beginning to believe.
