USC Star Alijah Arenas to Return to School, Adding to Loaded Roster for Trojans Next Season

USC star Alijah Arenas has announced he will return to school for another season, adding significant talent to what is already one of the most loaded rosters in college basketball and signaling that the Trojans are positioning themselves for a deep postseason run.

Arenas, a former five-star recruit, was projected as a potential NBA Draft selection but has chosen to return to develop his game further and compete for a national championship. His decision reflects a growing trend among elite college players who are choosing the development and exposure opportunities of college basketball over the uncertainty of the draft process.

For USC, the return transforms the ceiling of the 2026-27 season. Arenas provides scoring punch, defensive versatility, and the kind of high-level talent that forces opponents to game-plan specifically for him. His presence also elevates the players around him, as the attention he draws creates opportunities for teammates.

The decision also has implications for the broader landscape of college basketball. With NIL money providing financial incentives for elite players to stay in school, the talent distribution across the sport is shifting. Programs that can offer competitive NIL packages alongside strong development environments are retaining players who would have left for the NBA in previous eras.

Arenas's return is particularly significant because of who he is. As the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, he brings name recognition and media attention that amplifies USC's profile nationally. His decision to stay in school validates the college development path in a way that resonates beyond a single program.

What This Means For You: USC basketball is worth watching next season, and Arenas is the primary reason. For NBA scouts, he remains a first-round talent who will have another year to prove he can lead a team. For college basketball fans, the growing trend of elite players staying in school is making the sport better — more talent, more continuity, and more meaningful rivalries. The NIL era is reshaping the sport in real time, and Arenas's decision is a data point in that transformation.