Breaking down USC’s most important remaining 2024 targets

USC had a thrilling month of June on the recruiting trail, adding 12 of its 16 commitments in its 2024 class during the 30-day span, including nine four-stars. Long Beach (Calif.) Millikan wide receiver Ryan Pellum, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco cornerback Marcelles Williams and Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra CB Dakoda Fields highlight the new additions.

June was followed by a rather quiet July, however. Landisville (Pa.) Hempfield three-star defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale was the only pledge for Lincoln Riley during the month, while Modesto (Calif.) Central Catholic four-star offensive tackle Manasse Itete decommitted from the Trojans and committed to Florida State one day later.

As August treks onward, USC has the No. 11 class in the nation and No. 4 class in the Big Ten, per the On3 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings. WeAreSC recruiting insider Marshall Levenson helps us break down the five biggest targets remaining in USC’s recruiting board right now.

5-star DL Eddrick Houston

School: Buford (Ga.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 21
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM): Ohio State 88.1%, Georgia 3.6%, Clemson 2.4%

Levenson’s take: “A massive target for the Trojans that while they have not been in the lead for, they have steadily remained in the hunt for. USC’s biggest need for the future is top shelf defensive lineman and Houston is one of their favorites. Ohio State is trending for the Buford, Georgia standout.”

5-star DL Aydin Breland

School: Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 26
On3 RPM: Oregon 23.9%, Georgia 20.9%, Miami 15.0%, Texas A&M 10.0%, USC 7.6%

Levenson’s take: “A hometown standout on the defensive line, Breland is exactly the type of prospect USC is looking to add to its defense. It will continue to be an uphill battle though as other top programs such as Oregon, Georgia, and Texas A&M are in pursuit.”

4-star LB Chris Cole

School: Salem (Va.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 53
On3 RPM: Georgia 69.2%, Virginia Tech 11.2%, Penn State 4.1%, Miami 2.7%

Levenson’s take: “Cole has long been a top target at linebacker for the Trojans. Cole took an unofficial visit to USC in June and immediately made plans for an official visit back to Los Angeles during the season. With recent buzz around Georgia in his recruitment, USC is hoping that the official visit comes to fruition in hopes of swaying him ahead of signing day.”

4-star DL Jericho Johnson

School: Fairfield (Calif.) Armijo
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 123
On3 RPM: Washington 41.6%, Miami 29.3%, Oregon 12.8%, USC 5.6%

Levenson’s take: “USC is working diligently to bring in some blue-chip defensive lineman and Jericho Johnson is yet another who is considering USC in a top group. Johnson is down to USC, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Huskies are the current favorite in the On3 RPM.”

3-star LB Michael Boganowski

School: Junction City (Kan.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 435
On3 RPM: Oklahoma 49.3%, Kansas State 42.4%, Kansas 3.1%

Levenson’s take: “A brand new offer for USC and linebackers coach Brian Odom. With some other targets now off the board, USC is targeting Boganowski, who they have been monitoring since this spring. Oklahoma and Kansas State remain big suitors.”

The post Breaking down USC’s most important remaining 2024 targets appeared first on On3.