In a surprising development, former Georgia Bulldogs five-star defensive tackle Keithian “Bear” Alexander has officially expressed his desire to return to the Bulldogs’ program amid controversy surrounding his current team. Alexander, who transferred to the USC Trojans earlier in 2023, made headlines recently after publicly acknowledging his interest in coming back to Georgia following struggles both on and off the field in Los Angeles.
The Move to USC and Current Team Controversy
Alexander was one of the highest-rated recruits in the 2022 class, earning his five-star status due to his exceptional combination of size, power, and agility as a defensive tackle. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive lineman was expected to be a cornerstone of Georgia’s defensive line, but after his freshman season in Athens, he decided to enter the transfer portal and move to USC.
At USC, Alexander was expected to bolster a Trojans defense that had struggled in recent years. However, the transition hasn’t gone as smoothly as many hoped. While Alexander has shown flashes of his potential, USC’s defense has continued to face issues, particularly in high-profile games. The Trojans’ defensive unit has been criticized for its inability to stop the run and apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Alexander’s impact has been limited due to inconsistent usage and internal issues within the team.
The situation came to a head in recent weeks, with reports emerging of discontent in the USC locker room, particularly concerning the defensive coaching staff and players’ roles within the system. Alexander, one of the most high-profile defensive players on the team, is believed to have grown frustrated with the direction of the program and the defense’s lack of improvement. This controversy has sparked rumors of his dissatisfaction and potential interest in leaving USC altogether.
Bear Alexander’s Desire to Return to Georgia
Amid the ongoing issues at USC, Alexander has now confirmed his desire to return to the Georgia Bulldogs. Speaking to media outlets, Alexander admitted that his time at USC hasn’t lived up to his expectations and that he misses the culture and stability he experienced at Georgia. He cited the Bulldogs’ defensive dominance and the coaching staff’s ability to develop players as key reasons for his desire to rejoin the program.
“Georgia felt like home, and I made a decision that I thought was best for me at the time,” Alexander said in a recent interview. “But looking back, I realize the opportunities I had in Athens, the coaching staff, and the system they have in place. I want to be a part of that again.”
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the college football world, as Alexander was considered one of the top transfers in the country when he left Georgia. His potential return to the Bulldogs would be a significant boost for Kirby Smart’s defense, which has been searching for an anchor in the interior of the defensive line since Alexander’s departure.
Georgia’s Defensive Line Needs
While Georgia’s defense remains one of the best in the country, the Bulldogs have felt the absence of Alexander’s size and athleticism up front. The defensive line has continued to perform well, but the addition of a player like Alexander would give them an immediate boost, especially in their quest for another national championship.
The possibility of Alexander returning to Georgia has already generated excitement among fans, who remember his impact during his freshman year. He registered key tackles in important games, including in the College Football Playoff, where Georgia won its second consecutive national title. His familiarity with the system and the coaches would allow for a smooth transition if he were to rejoin the Bulldogs.
What’s Next for Alexander?
While Alexander has made his intentions clear, the process of transferring back to Georgia, or any other program, would require approval from both schools and the NCAA. There are also questions about whether Georgia has room on its roster and how the coaching staff plans to integrate Alexander back into the team if his return materializes.
For now, the situation remains fluid, but one thing is certain: Bear Alexander’s potential return to the Georgia Bulldogs could dramatically change the outlook for the team’s defensive line and their pursuit of another national title. His decision to leave USC and return to the program where he initially thrived speaks volumes about the culture and success that Georgia has built under Kirby Smart, and it would be a major storyline to watch as the season progresses.