USC Trojans guard Avery Howell has announced her commitment to the Washington Huskies, according to On3. It was revealed over the weekend that the freshman would be entering the transfer portal. Howell will play for a new team in the Big Ten next season.
Avery Howell, a 2024 recruit from Boise, Idaho, was rated as a five-star prospect by ESPN. Although she was listed as a small forward coming out of high school, the 6-0 Howell spent most of her time in the backcourt alongside JuJu Watkins and Kennedy Smith at USC.
In her freshman year with the Trojans, Howell averaged 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, shooting 43% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, with an average of 20.8 minutes per game. After JuJu Watkins tore her ACL during USC’s second-round game in the NCAA Tournament, Howell was called upon to start. In the final three games of the tournament, Howell averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and shot 48.2% from the field, playing an average of 33.7 minutes per game.
With Watkins’ status uncertain for the upcoming season, it seemed the Trojans would rely on the two freshmen, Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell, in the backcourt. Now that Howell is transferring, the Trojans must reevaluate their options moving forward.
As for USC’s backcourt next season, Kennedy Smith will likely take on a larger role. In her freshman year (2024-2025), Smith averaged 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, starting every game. With Watkins’ recovery timeline overlapping much of the 2025-2026 season, Smith’s contribution will be crucial. Though Watkins aims to return next season, her recovery from such a serious injury could mean she may not play at all.
USC’s incoming freshman guard, Jazzy Davidson, is also expected to take on a bigger role than originally anticipated. Davidson, a 6-1 guard from Clackamas, Oregon, was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 3 player in the 2025 class by 247Sports. Though she primarily played small forward in high school, Davidson is likely to transition into a one or two guard role, according to director of scouting Brandon Clay. Clay praised Davidson’s versatility and ability to drive to the rim, noting that her development will benefit from physical growth.
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