The USC Trojans are rewriting their recruiting story under Lincoln Riley. Despite a middling 13-12 record over the past two seasons, USC’s 2026 recruiting class has turned out to be a juggernaut. 247Sports ranked it No. 1 nationally, surpassing powerhouses like Georgia and Ohio State.
With 27 commitments already secured, Riley’s program is leveraging the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era to build a roster that could reshape the Trojans’ future.
Lincoln Riley Has Started A Recruiting Renaissance In Los Angeles
On3’s Steve Wiltfong, a leading recruiting analyst, shared his opinions during the Wiltfong Whiparound show, he said “In the NIL era, USC is as powerful as any program in the country right now.” The Trojans’ 2026 class, nearly finalized in June, secured 27 pledges, including seven top-100 recruits.
On3’s @SWiltfong_ believes USC is as powerful as any program in the country in the NIL era✌️
The Trojans currently hold the No. 1 overall 2026 recruiting class.
Read: https://t.co/UA6D6uWpur pic.twitter.com/1zSeSi6VBO
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) June 3, 2025
Leading the haul is five-star tight end Mark Bowman from Santa Ana’s Mater Dei, a prospect compared to former Georgia star Brock Bowers. Bowman chose USC over Georgia, Texas, and Ohio State, swayed by an aggressive recruiting push and a reported NIL deal worth $8-10 million over three years.
What is the Trojans’ Secret Sauce?
A revamped approach to NIL fuels USC’s recruiting surge. The Trojans have nearly doubled their blue-chip commitments from a year ago, landing talents like borderline five-star cornerback Elbert Hill and top-60 defensive lineman Keenyi Pepe. The reclassification of five-star cornerback RJ Sermons to 2025 further strengthened Riley’s haul.
Riley’s relentless pursuit, paired with highly attractive NIL opportunities, has given USC an upper hand in a competitive landscape where financial incentives are increasingly dictating decisions.
Riley’s recruiting success comes at a time of need. Many had concerns about his tenure after back-to-back 6-6 and 7-6 seasons. However, the 2026 class shows that a shift is in the works.
USC’s 27 commitments, including 18 four- and five-star prospects, are a stark contrast to the 10 blue-chippers in 2025. The Trojans also hunt for additional top targets to build their star power.
KEEP READING: Matt Leinart Reacts as USC Lands Another 5-Star for No. 1 Recruiting Class
However, with all these recruiting efforts, it remains to be seen whether they will translate well into on-field success. The Big Ten, now home to USC, is a rough challenge, with Ohio State and Michigan setting the standard.
Riley’s ability to develop this star-studded class will determine whether the Trojans can reclaim their place among college football’s best teams. Historical data from Sports Illustrated shows that top-10 recruiting classes don’t always guarantee wins, but Riley and his staff may be able to make an exception.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
