The USC Trojans are leading the pack early in recruiting for the 2026 cycle. Head coach Lincoln Riley has the program humming with an eye-popping 26 commitments for the 2026 class as of early May 2025—a whopping 12 more recruits than any other Power Four program in the country.
They are the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, according to both ESPN and 247Sports, with 13 players in the ESPN 300. Breaking it down, they’ve landed two five-stars, 11 four-stars, and 11 three-stars. But how are they doing this? And who is in this talented class?
Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans Top 2026 Recruiting Rankings
This impressive recruiting class starts with five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe from IMG Academy in Florida. At a massive 6’7″, 320 pounds, Pepe is ranked as the No. 3 offensive tackle and No. 9 overall recruit in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite.
When a talent like that calls USC his “dream school” and chooses the Trojans over powerhouses like Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Miami, you know something special is brewing in Los Angeles.
Five-star commit, Xavier Griffin, is a versatile linebacker/athlete from Gainesville, Georgia. He’s becoming the cornerstone of what many are calling one of USC’s best defensive recruiting classes in years. He’ll be joined by four-star cornerback Elbert Hill from Akron, Ohio.
When you’re pulling top talent from Ohio State’s backyard, that speaks volumes about your program’s national appeal. But that’s not the only reason for the Trojans’ success.
USC Football Building Recruiting Giant, Led by Some of Football’s Best Recruiters
USC’s coaches are dominating the recruiting sphere. According to 247Sports, defensive line coach Eric Henderson, secondary coach Doug Belk, and tight ends coach Zach Hanson all rank in the top four nationally as recruiters.
Riley clearly understands that winning starts up front. That’s why he’s already been all-in on the trenches, securing six offensive linemen.
Beyond Pepe, they’ve added four-star Esun Tafa and several other promising prospects like Vlad Dyakonov and Chase Deniz. For years, USC teams have sometimes lacked physicality, but now, Riley’s ensuring that won’t be an issue.
On the defensive side, names like Jaimeon Winfield, Simote Katoanga, and Braeden Jones might not be household names yet. Still, these four-star defensive linemen represent exactly what USC needs to compete physically in the rugged Big Ten.
With nearly a year before signing day, USC could break records. The largest Power Four recruiting class in 2025 was Syracuse with 35 players—USC might actually top that if they keep this pace.
As the Trojans gear up for Year 2 in the Big Ten, this 2026 class is already writing a new chapter for a program determined to return to championship contention under Lincoln Riley’s leadership.
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