Five USC recruiting thoughts on updated On300 rankings

Here are five USC recruiting thoughts on the updated On300 rankings for the 2024 recruiting class.

1. Overall not a ton of movement

Some classes around the country had some serious shuffling in their rankings. Prospects emerging in the top-100 or going from unranked into the On300 altogether. There were even some classes who moved up or down the team rankings as a result. USC was not among them. For the large part, USC did not have much movement in the updated On300. There were some small shifts of three or four spaces, but drastic rises or declines.

This isn’t necessarily that surprising for this class right now, there have not been many major storylines on them since the start of their seasons. I think for a number of them, more attention will be given later in the season.

2. No rise for Williams despite dominant play

There is a good argument that Marcelles Williams has been the top performer among the group. There have been several in the recruiting media landscape to compliment Williams and how he has started his season. Even with a stellar start, Williams finds himself ranked as the No. 25 cornerback in the On300. On3 is lowest on Williams of the four recruiting services. All three others have Williams a top-10 cornerback in the class.

If On3 does raise his ranking in the future, depending on the jump, we could see him make a significant jump in the On3 Industry Ranking, which measures all four together. Right now, in the industry rankings, he is the No. 92 overall prospect.

3. Zandamela still too low

One of my favorite players in this class is Jason Zandamela. While being No. 145 overall and the No. 8 IOL is a fantastic ranking, I think he is easily top five at the position. This likely comes from Zandamela being a true center and On3 rankings lumping centers and guards together. But Jason Zandamela is one of the best pure centers in the country, if not the best. I personally believe he is a top-100 overall talent.

I would love to see a boost for him in the future.

4. Injuries playing a part

This relates to No. 1 on this list of not a ton of movement. There have some injuries among the group that has limited some early season exposure, especially among some prospects I personally thought would be in line for rankings jumps. Running back Bryan Jackson has missed several games with a dislocated elbow while defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale suffered a season ending injury very early in the season. Walter Matthews and Ryan Pellum most missed their last games.

5. Xavier Jordan’s ceiling

Jordan is already the top ranked commit in the class for USC but how high can he truly get. He is No. 57 in the On300, a slight drop from 54 in the last update. In the message boards, I was asked if Jordan can be a five-star in the future. I lean towards not likely, simply because I don’t see him rising 20+ ranks at this point, but anything is possible. I’m sure there will be some big movement towards the end of the cycle and if he has some big performances this season, it is certainly possible. I don’t envision him moving inside the top-30 prospects, but I do think a move into the 40’s could be warranted.

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