Southern California forward Jacob Cofie is reportedly withdrawing from the 2026 NBA draft and returning for his junior year, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.
Cofie averaged 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 51% from the field in 32 games this past season with the Trojans. He ranked third in the Big Ten in total blocks (56) and fifth in block percentage (6.3).
The 6-foot-9 forward finished in double figures 16 times, including a season-high 23-point, 10-rebound performance on Nov. 3 in a win over Cal Poly. He was one of three players in the Big Ten to register 16 or more games with multiple blocks.
Cofie was among the top performers in the G League combine last week in Chicago, Illinois, becoming one of five players to earn a call-up to the draft combine. He measured in with a 7-foot wingspan while recording the third-fastest three-quarter sprint time (3.07 seconds).
The 20-year-old was considered a potential second-round pick, which likely factored into his decision to withdraw from the draft. By returning to school, Cofie will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock next year, based on feedback received from teams.
USC also returns Alijah Arenas after the freshman opted to withdraw from the draft. The team is adding top-25 recruits in Christian Collins (No. 9 overall), Adonis Ratliff (No. 17) and Darius Ratliff (No. 23), and Eric Reibe (UConn) and KJ Lewis (Georgetown) via the transfer portal.
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