USC is off to a blazing begin compiling its 2026 recruiting class. After touchdown three Top247 prospects within the month of March alone, the Trojans sit alone with the No. 1 recruiting class within the nation by a large margin.
The Trojans are buoyed by 15 commitments, essentially the most of any FBS program. However even by common recruit ranking, USC sits at No. 8. Defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield out of Richardson, Texas, was the most recent main addition, rating the No. 66 participant within the class. With an enormous haul on the best way and a number of other key commits, USC is positioned to be in severe rivalry for securing the No. 1 class within the nation if issues hold heading this route.
A top-five highschool class could be the primary for USC beneath coach Lincoln Riley and first since 2018. Not like Riley’s earlier high class in 2023, the group just isn’t overleveraged with offensive talent expertise; the highest 5 gamers are defenders. However whereas touchdown 10 Top247 prospects is a powerful begin to the recruiting class, the echoes of final 12 months cling over it.
USC should end the job this time round
One 12 months in the past, although, USC was in the identical boat. The Trojans had 4 completely different five-star prospects dedicated to this system all through 2024, together with three standout defensive linemen. None of them made it to campus as USC fell to the No. 14 highschool recruiting class within the nation.
The one five-star who in the end signed was quarterback Husan Longstreet, and he solely flipped to his hometown program after USC misplaced the dedication of Julian Lewis to Colorado in November. General, 11 blue-chip prospects decommitted from the category at varied factors. Eight gamers rescinded commitments later than November 2024. Half of them had been defensive gamers.
Equally, USC has loaded up on protection in 2026. Linebacker Xavier Griffin is one of the best participant in Georgia and ranked No. 8 within the Top247. 4 of the highest six gamers are from Southern California, together with four-star cornerback RJ Sermons. Every continues to be being pursued closely by championship-caliber groups.
There’s been loads of pleasure over the offseason surrounding an bettering USC protection, which jumped from No. 119 to 77 in complete protection beneath first-year defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. When it has been time to commit, although, gamers have in the end chosen extra dependable applications like Texas and Georgia.
Distinguished offseason rent may very well be key for USC’s class
There may be one secret weapon in USC’s second try: normal supervisor Chad Bowden. The Trojans spent high greenback to lure Bowden from Notre Dame. Beforehand, each one in every of his main roles got here beneath Irish coach Marcus Freeman. Bowden was director of recruiting for 2 years earlier than incomes a proper promotion to normal supervisor. He helped assemble a defensive-first roster that reached the School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship.
“We will take essentially the most highschool children this place has ever taken this 12 months,” Bowden mentioned per 247Sports. “I actually consider a tradition may be constructed via recruiting, and it may be accomplished, particularly after they’re from highschool. We will recruit essentially the most guys we ever have.”
The Trojans have leaned closely on the switch portal in Riley’s first three seasons, signing 65 transfers in 4 years. Bowden has been open about desirous to reorient the Trojans in the direction of highschool recruiting for long-term profit. The extra balanced roster-building method might pay main dividends.
USC invested great sources into Riley when it poached him from Oklahoma after the 2021 season. He is delivered solely a 26-14 document on the college and regressed every season. The crew slipped from No. 10 to fifteen in 247Sports Expertise Composite over his tenure.
Getting out to a scorching begin on the recruiting path is a pleasant boon for the employees. To return to nationwide prominence beneath Riley, the Trojans have to shut the deal in December.
