Behind Enemy Lines: USC’s 2026 Class Is Filled With Talented Prospects

Image Via Los Angeles Times/Robert Gauthier

It hasn’t been an easy transition into the Big Ten for Lincoln Riley and USC. In their first year after Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams departed for the NFL draft, the Trojans struggled on both ends of the field on the way to a disappointing 4-5 Big Ten campaign.

On the recruiting trail, though, the Trojans are showing substantial signs of progress. USC’s 2026 recruiting class, currently the biggest in the Big Ten with 31 commits, is ranked as the No. 1 class in the conference and in the country.

Residing in a talent-rich state, it’s no surprise USC has stayed home for the majority of its class, with 17 pledges from California.

The highest-ranked prospect from California in the Trojans’ class is also USC’s only five-star. Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei tight end Mark Bowman (6-5, 225) is the highest-ranked tight end and the No. 13-ranked overall player in the class.

Elsewhere in California, Riley, who is more known as an offensive-minded coach, has secured the services of top-150 ranked defenders like Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon four-star cornerback Brandon Lockhart (6-2, 170), Santa Margarita (Calif.) Catholic four-star defensive lineman Simote Katoanga (6-5, 240) and Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui (6-3, 320).

Katoanga’s high-school teammate, four-star wide receiver Trent Mosley (5-11,170) leads an impressive receiving room that also includes Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame four-star Luc Weaver (6-3, 205).

As well as they have done so far in California, Riley and his staff haven’t ignored other parts of the country. The Trojans went into Ohio to gain commitments from Painesville, four-star running back Shahn Alston (5-9, 205) and Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban four-star cornerback Elbert Hill. While Alston wasn’t offered by the Buckeyes, Hill was a key Ohio State target before he committed to USC on May 2.

Perhaps an even more heartbreaking recruiting defeat for the Buckeyes occurred on June 19, when Princeton (N.J.) Hun School four-star Luke Wafle (6-6, 245) committed to USC. Ohio State received crystal balls to land Wafle just one day before his commitment, but the Trojans reportedly improved their NIL package in the closing stages of his recruitment to earn his commitment.

Perhaps a little more salt was poured in the wound for the Buckeyes over the lost recruiting battle when Wafle was included in Rivals’ top-10 overall rankings after their top-300 rankings update on Monday.

Wafle is still not the Trojans’ highest-ranked recruit after the boost from Rivals, but an evaluation from On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, makes it easy to see why the 6-6 defensive end is rising up recruiting rankings.

“Combines play strength and motor with functional athleticism,” Power wrote of Wafle for Rivals’ website. “Wins at the point of attack with a powerful punch and the ability to convert speed to power. Uses quick power swipes to disengage from offensive linemen. Shows multiple pass-rush pathways and closing speed to finish behind the line of scrimmage. Nimble mover, who breaks down well in space. A violent finisher who drives ball carriers into the ground. Strong, consistent run defender due to physicality and effort.”

The Trojans, who have the most four-star pledges (20) of any team in the Big Ten, also have 10 three-star commitments, who have helped contribute to their nation-leading 303.1 composite score.

USC’s 92.14 average player rating isn’t quite as impressive as its composite score, but that mark is still the third-best in the Big Ten.