USC men's basketball is making serious moves ahead of the 2026-2027 season, and the roster just got a whole lot deeper. This week, the Trojans reportedly added Evansville transfer Joshua Hughes—a versatile big man from Australia who brings experience, length, and a reliable shot to the frontcourt.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Hughes spent three seasons with the Purple Aces, starting 74 of 99 games. As a junior, he averaged 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.4% from the field, 36.4% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line. His sophomore season saw him average 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds, and as a freshman, he contributed 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game.
But Hughes isn't just a stat-sheet filler—he's a proven competitor with international experience. Before coming to the U.S., he played semi-professional basketball in Australia's NBL1, averaging 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds. He also represented Australia at the U17 World Cup in 2022, giving him a global perspective that should translate well in USC's system.
According to 247Sports' Ahmad Akkoui, "The 6-foot-10 Australian gives the Trojans some depth, length and experience in the front court that will be fairly young in 2026-27." This addition is a key piece for a USC squad that's building for a deep run—and hoping to avoid the injury woes that derailed them last season.
With Hughes now in the fold, the Trojans are shaping up to have one of the most balanced and experienced rosters in the Pac-12. For fans looking to rep their team in style this season, the depth chart is looking as strong as ever—and the gear should match the energy.
