USC delivers family feel to legacy recruit, elite 2026 CB RJ Sermons
USC got Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) four-star cornerback RJ Sermons back on campus for a second time this spring over the weekend.
The Trojans have the early edge in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) for the touted 2026 prospect, and Lincoln Riley’s program once again made an impression on the 6-foot, 180-pounder.
“My experience was great,” Sermons told On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong. “Watching the scrimmage was good and after the coaches and staff made me feel like family. What excites me about opportunity there is that there is plenty of it with an elite coaching staff that is big on development.”
Sermons is a legacy recruit for the Trojans. His father Rodney played running back for the school from 1994-1997. Secondary coach Doug Belk is heading USC’s charge for the defensive back, while Riley is also doing his part in making Sermons feel like a priority in Los Angeles.
“I love the environment,” Sermons told On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons ahead of his visit to USC last month. “Everything about it is great. I’ve been around LA since I was little and the football is great.”
Sermons is the No. 62 overall prospect and No. 5 corner in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Sermons higher than other recruiting services, as he checks in at No. 18 overall and No. 2 at his position in the 2026 On300.
Texas A&M and Notre Dame are among the other contenders for Sermons early in his recruitment. He also owns offers from the likes of Alabama, Oregon, Ole Miss, Penn State and Colorado.
“I’m looking for a great environment that is about more than football and to where I can succeed in life after football and after sports,” Sermons previously told On3. “I want to build great relationships and set myself up for ultimate success in the future.”
The post USC delivers family feel to legacy recruit, elite 2026 CB RJ Sermons appeared first on On3.
