USC is already working ahead to the 2028 recruiting class, and one name on the Trojans’ board is four-star running back Tahmere Brown.
Brown, a Philadelphia native who plays at The Pennington School in New Jersey, has become a priority for several national programs. According to On3’s Chad Simmons, USC is among the schools battling for him as the Trojans try to keep rolling after landing the No. 1-ranked 2026 class and building what has so far been an impressive 2027 group.
The 5-10, 190-pound back is rated the No. 168 player nationally and the No. 12 running back in the 2028 class by 247Sports. He already has 30 offers, and USC is one of the programs that has made a serious push.
Brown visited USC, Oregon and UCLA this past spring before heading back home to train for his sophomore season at Pennington. He came away with a strong impression of all three stops, but his connection with the Trojans stood out.
“At USC, I have a great relationship with those guys. I can call the running backs coach any time.
It doesn’t even have to be about football. He always picks up.
We have that kind of relationship,” Brown told On3’s Chad Simmons.
For Lincoln Riley and USC, Brown would fit a clear need down the road. By the time the 2028 season arrives, star running back and former walk-on King Miller will likely be gone. Miller led USC with 972 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman.
USC is not alone in the chase. Ohio State, Notre Dame and Rutgers are also among the schools drawing Brown’s attention.
Rutgers, in particular, may have an edge because of its location and the relationships Brown has already built with Greg Schiano’s staff.
“Rutgers being close to home definitely helps,” Brown told Rivals. “I’m taking those relationships into consideration throughout my process, and my relationship with Rutgers is strong. I really like how they compete in the running back room and how they help each other get better,” Brown said.
As USC keeps targeting elite talent for 2028, two of its top priorities are also California prospects: four-star offensive tackle Austin Attalah and three-star safety Ace Leutele.
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