USC has begun a blaze to edit the 2026 recruitment class. After landing three Top 247 prospects in March alone, the Trojans are sitting alone with the No. 1 recruiting class across the country.
The Trojans are supported by 15 commitments, which are mostly in the FBS program. However, even in average recruitment ratings, USC is ranked 8th. Defensive lineman Hymeon Winfield from Richardson, Texas was the latest major addition to being ranked No. 66 in his class. With a large distance along the way and some important commitments, USC is now in a serious battle to secure the number one class in the country if things are heading in this direction.
The top five high school classes are USC’s first class under Coach Lincoln Riley and their first class since 2018. Unlike Riley’s previous top class in 2023, the group doesn’t develop talent for offensive skills. The top five players are defenders. However, landing top 247 prospects in the 10 is a strong start to the recruitment class, but last year’s echo is dependent on that.
USC will need to finish work this time
A year ago, USC was on the same boat. The Trojans had four different five-star prospects who committed to the program throughout 2024, including three outstanding defensive linemen. None of them reached campus as USC fell into the 14th highest-ranked high school recruitment class in the country.
The only five-star to ultimately sign was quarterback Fusan Long Street, and he flipped into his hometown program after USC lost Julian Lewis’ commitment to Colorado in November. Overall, 11 blue chip prospects have been deprecated from the class at various points. Eight players retracted their commitments later than November 2024. Half of them were defensive players.
Similarly, USC built up defenses in 2026. Linebacker Xavier Griffin is Georgia’s best player and ranked 8th in Top 247. Four of the top six players are from Southern California, including a four-star cornerback RJ sermon. Each is still heavily pursued by the Championship Caliber team.
The offseason surrounding USC’s improved defense had a lot of excitement, which increased from 119th to 77 in total defense under freshman defence coordinator D’Anton Lynn. However, when it was time to commit, players ultimately chose more reliable programs like Texas and Georgia.
High-profile offseason employment could be key for USC classes
USC’s second attempt is one secret weapon called General Manager Chad Bowden. The Trojans spent the top dollar seducing Boden from Notre Dame. Previously, all of his major roles were under Irish coach Marcus Freeman. Bowden was the Director of Recruitment for two years before earning a formal promotion to General Manager. He helped build a defensive first roster that reached the College Football Playoffs National Championship.
“This year, I’m going to bring the most high school students this place has ever filmed,” Boden said according to 247Sports. “I really believe that culture can be built through recruitment, and that can be done, especially when you come from high school.
The Trojans have leaned heavily towards Riley’s first three seasons of transfer portal, signing 65 transfers over four years. Borden wants to reorient the Trojans towards high school recruitment for long-term benefits. A more balanced roster building approach can pay a larger dividend.
USC invested a great deal of resources in Riley when he poached him from Oklahoma after the 2021 season. He only received 26-14 records at school and regressed every season. The team skated from 10th to 15 years old while in office in the 247Sports talent composite.
Getting a hot start on the recruiting trail is a great boon for our staff. To return to national prominence under Riley, the Trojans must sign a contract in December.
