USC Class Breakdown: Trojans building a top-5 2026 class
After consecutive cycles ranked No. 15 or lower in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, USC is looking to bounce back with what could become the best class of the Lincoln Riley era.
With already 10 commitments in the 2026 class, the Trojans rank No. 2 in the 2026 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
One of the jewels of the class is Los Angeles native and Loyola High School product, four-star cornerback Brandon Lockhart. Lockhart committed well over a year ago in October 2023. He has been one of the Trojans’ three highest-rated commits ever since.
Additional 2023 commitments came from Los Angeles-area recruits Ja’Myron Baker and Madden Riordan.
Gainesville (Ga.) four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin is a borderline five-star prospect and headlines this USC class. He committed to the Cardinal and Gold back in July.
“I felt that I’m the biggest priority at USC,” Griffin told On3 when he committed. “The defensive scheme that they are building is world-class.”
Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) CB RJ Sermons is a more recent addition to the class, committing to USC on Dec. 13. He is the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2026 class.
“I feel like USC is the best place for me, my family and my future,” Sermons told On3. “I like the authenticity from everybody on the staff and everybody in the building. They kept it real the whole time and made it known that I am a priority to them. The opportunities that I have there on and off the field and in the classroom are great. Also, my family played an important role in my decision.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Southern Cal made a huge splash on Feb. 21 by flipping top-100 quarterback Jonas Williams away from rival Oregon.
“My favorite things that excite me are the relationships I’ve built with Coach Riley, (Luke) Huard, and the GM Chad Bowden,” Williams told On3. “That was an important factor for me and knowing that this offense will fit my playing style is reassuring.”
Two-thirds of the Trojans’ class hails from the Golden State, and 56% of current commits are blue-chip prospects.
Commitments by position
Quarterback
Four-star Jonas Williams, No. 65 NATL. (No. 7 QB)
Running Back
Four-star Shahn Alston, No. 142 NATL. (No. 14 RB)
Wide Receiver
Three-star WR Ja’Myron Baker, No. 406 NATL. (No. 59 WR)
Defensive Line
Four-star Braeden Jones, No. 206 NATL. (No. 20 DL)
EDGE
Andrew Williams (Not ranked)
Linebacker
Four-star Xavier Griffin, No. 25 NATL. (No. 2 LB)
Cornerback
Four-star RJ Sermons, No. 30 NATL. (No. 2 CB)
Four-star Brandon Lockhart, No. 66 NATL. (No. 5 CB)
Athlete
Three-star Joshua Holland, No. 396 NATL. (No. 32 ATH)
Three-star ATH Madden Riordan, No. 444 NATL. (No. 35 ATH)
The post USC Class Breakdown: Trojans building a top-5 2026 class appeared first on On3.
