A PLACE TO STAY: Former Penn State LB Ta’Mere Robinson Reportedly Commits to USC
LOS ANGELES, CA – April 22, 2025 — In a major boost to their defensive unit, the USC Trojans have reportedly landed former Penn State linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson through the transfer portal, sources close to the program confirmed late Monday evening. The former four-star recruit and Pittsburgh native is expected to join the Trojans this summer, adding depth, experience, and athleticism to a defense looking to make a leap in the new Big Ten landscape.
Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 223-pound linebacker, entered the portal just days ago after two seasons with the Nittany Lions. While his time in Happy Valley didn’t fully showcase his high school potential, Robinson flashed promise in limited action — logging 13 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a half-sack across 17 appearances, primarily on special teams and rotational duty.
His most notable collegiate moment came in 2024 against West Virginia, when he was named Penn State’s Special Teams Player of the Game after a standout performance that showcased his explosiveness and motor.
Originally a member of Penn State’s highly-rated 2023 recruiting class, Robinson was a consensus top-100 national prospect out of Brashear High School in Pittsburgh. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range, physicality, and leadership, he chose the Nittany Lions over offers from Miami, Virginia Tech, and Michigan. Injuries and depth chart competition slowed his rise in State College, but with a fresh start at USC, the Trojans believe he can finally break out.
“This is a player who’s hungry,” said a source close to the USC program. “He’s got something to prove, and he fits what Coach [D’Anton] Lynn is building on defense — fast, physical, and aggressive. Ta’Mere brings size and versatility that we need at the second level.”
Robinson is expected to compete immediately for playing time in USC’s linebacker rotation, which returns some experience but lacks the kind of proven depth seen in other parts of the roster. With the graduation of Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry’s departure to the NFL, there’s an opening for a player of Robinson’s caliber to make an impact right away.
For his part, Robinson appears energized by the move west.
“Sometimes you just need a reset,” he said in a brief social media post that hinted at his transfer before the news was confirmed. “It’s all about finding a place to grow and be appreciated. Let’s work.”
While the Trojans have not issued an official announcement, sources say Robinson has already begun the process of enrolling and is expected to be on campus for summer workouts. His addition marks USC’s third transfer portal pickup this spring and continues a trend of aggressive portal moves under head coach Lincoln Riley.
With the Trojans preparing to enter their first season in the Big Ten, adding Big Ten-experienced talent like Robinson could be key in acclimating to the physical demands of the conference. For a defense that has faced scrutiny over the past two seasons, every addition matters — and Robinson may be just what the unit needs.
As one USC assistant put it: “He’s got the chip on his shoulder. He’s ready to show why he was one of the top linebackers in the country coming out of high school. We’re excited to give him that opportunity.”
For Ta’Mere Robinson, Southern California may finally be the place he’s been searching for — a place to stay.
