In the competitive world of college football recruiting, few programs have experienced the meteoric rise that the USC Trojans have achieved with their 2026 recruiting class. Under the strategic guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden, USC has not only secured a top-tier class but has also reasserted its dominance in the realm of college football recruiting. As of May 2025, the Trojans’ 2026 class is ranked No. 1 nationally, a testament to their meticulous planning, aggressive recruitment, and the allure of playing in Los Angeles.
The foundation of this exceptional class was laid with the early commitment of quarterback Julian Lewis, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Lewis, a standout from Carrollton, Georgia, chose USC over powerhouse programs like Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, and Alabama. His decision was influenced by USC’s reputation for developing elite quarterbacks, a lineage that includes Heisman Trophy winners like Caleb Williams and former stars such as Baker Mayfield, Jalen Hurts, and Kyler Murray. Lewis’s commitment signaled to other top recruits that USC was once again a force to be reckoned with in college football.
Following Lewis’s commitment, the Trojans continued to build momentum by securing pledges from several highly ranked prospects. Four-star quarterback Jonas Williams, originally committed to Oregon, flipped to USC after a compelling visit and interactions with Coach Riley and Bowden. Williams, ranked as the No. 7 quarterback nationally, expressed confidence in USC’s offensive system and the relationships he built with the coaching staff. His decision further solidified USC’s standing atop the recruiting rankings.
Defensively, USC has made significant strides by attracting top-tier talent. Four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin from Gainesville, Georgia, committed early to the Trojans and remains a cornerstone of the class. Griffin’s commitment is particularly noteworthy as he is ranked as the nation’s No. 23 overall prospect, just outside of five-star status. Additionally, cornerback RJ Sermons from Rancho Cucamonga, California, has pledged to USC. The son of former Trojan running back Rodney Sermons, RJ is ranked as the No. 26 overall prospect and No. 3 cornerback nationally, according to On3 Industry Rankings.
The Trojans have also made inroads into defensive line recruiting, an area where they have historically excelled. Four-star defensive lineman Simote Katoanga from JSerra Catholic High School in Southern California committed to USC, choosing the Trojans over offers from Notre Dame and other programs. Katoanga’s decision underscores USC’s renewed emphasis on securing elite talent from within California, a strategy that Bowden has prioritized to strengthen the program’s foundation.
One of the most compelling narratives of this recruiting cycle is the active involvement of current commitments in the recruitment process. Five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart from Edna Karr High School in Louisiana, who was originally the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 cycle before reclassifying to the 2025 class, has been vocal about his efforts to recruit top talent to USC. Stewart’s enthusiasm and leadership have been instrumental in attracting other high-caliber prospects to the program.
USC’s commitment to building a national recruiting footprint is evident in their efforts to secure talent beyond California. The addition of players like Katoanga from Southern California and Stewart from Louisiana demonstrates the Trojans’ ability to compete nationally for top recruits. This national approach, combined with a strong in-state presence, positions USC as a formidable force in college football recruiting.
The strategic vision of Coach Riley and GM Bowden has been pivotal in USC’s resurgence in recruiting. Their emphasis on building strong relationships with recruits, coupled with USC’s rich football tradition and the allure of Los Angeles, has proven to be a winning formula. The coaching staff’s ability to identify and develop talent, combined with their commitment to providing players with opportunities both on and off the field, has made USC an attractive destination for top prospects.
Looking ahead, the Trojans are poised to continue their upward trajectory. With several top recruits still considering USC, the potential for further additions to the 2026 class remains high. The combination of a strong coaching staff, a commitment to player development, and the appeal of playing at a premier program in a major media market positions USC to compete for national championships in the coming years.
In conclusion, the USC Trojans’ 2026 recruiting class represents a significant achievement in the program’s history. Through strategic planning, aggressive recruitment, and a commitment to excellence, USC has assembled a class that not only ranks No. 1 nationally but also sets the stage for sustained success in college football. As the Trojans continue to build on this momentum, the future of USC football looks brighter than ever.
