This week marked the deadline for players to either withdraw from or remain in the NBA Draft. And with it, USC got some expected, but still notable good news: Jacob Cofie is officially back.
The sophomore reportedly put on a strong performance at the combine that impressed scouts. Ultimately, however, he decided to come back to USC for another year, giving the Trojans a key boost.
“Couldn’t be more proud of @cofie_jacob,” head coach Eric Musselman wrote on social media. “From the G League Combine to the NBA Combine, one of just 6 to earn that call. JC received lots of great @NBAfeedback. Excited to have him back @USC_Hoops.”
Cofie spent his freshman year at Virginia, before transferring to USC ahead of the 2025-2026 season. With the Trojans this past year, he averaged 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Cofie is the second Trojan to withdraw from the draft, joining freshman Alijah Arenas. As a result, for the second season in a row, USC will have no NBA Draft early entrants.
Unlike last year, however, the Trojans will be returning several key players from the previous season. After consecutive years of essentially overhauling the entire roster, it will be nice for Musselman and USC to finally have some continuity.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Jacob Cofie officially withdraws from NBA Draft, returns to USC
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
