After unexpectedly entering the transfer portal last week, Wesley Yates III has found his way back to a familiar place: Washington.
On Wednesday, the guard confirmed he will return to Seattle for the 2025-2026 season. Yates III redshirted during the 2023-2024 season with the Huskies before transferring to USC. In his lone season with the Trojans, Yates III started 24 games, averaging 14.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
His performance as a redshirt freshman this past season gave USC hope for the future under head coach Eric Musselman, making his departure a significant loss for the program—one that will require adjustments as the Trojans move forward.
Yates’ decision to return to Washington so soon after Quincy Pondexter, a relative of Yates, stepped away from USC’s coaching staff, is bound to spark speculation and resentment in Los Angeles. Musselman had hoped to retain Pondexter as a key recruiter for the long-term, but that plan fell apart. This unexpected transfer has dealt a blow to USC’s roster development for next season.
For Washington, bringing Yates back is a major boost. After finishing last in the Big Ten this year, the Huskies are aiming to build momentum heading into year two under head coach Danny Sprinkle.
Although next season’s schedule hasn’t been revealed, it’s expected that USC and Washington will meet twice again, with Yates likely making a return to Galen Center at some point.
