USC basketball is gearing up for a comeback, fueled by a dynamic influx of new talent. Both the men’s and women’s teams are determined to rise back to prominence after a challenging 2025-26 season. With top recruits joining their ranks, the Trojans are setting their sights on reclaiming their status among the elite.
On the women’s side, Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb has once again demonstrated her recruiting prowess. On March 17, she secured Sara Okeke, a standout five-star recruit from Madrid.
Okeke, who shone as MVP in the 2025 International Basketball Federation U18 Women’s EuroBasket, brings impressive stats with her: 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 57% shooting. Despite interest from heavyweights like Kentucky and Texas, Okeke chose USC, citing a deep connection with the campus and team.
Joining Okeke is Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2026. Hall, already a McDonald’s All-American and signed with Jordan Brand, is poised to make waves alongside her teammates. Freshman forward Sitaya Fagan, another five-star recruit, enrolled early and adds depth to this formidable class.
Gottlieb is thrilled about the potential of her new recruits, emphasizing their fit with USC’s vision and their potential to elevate the program. The team is eager to bounce back after a season hampered by injuries, including the absence of star guard JuJu Watkins due to an ACL injury. With key players graduating, the incoming freshmen are expected to inject new energy into the Trojans’ lineup.
On the men’s side, Head Coach Eric Musselman has bolstered his squad with the addition of Christian Collins, a McDonald’s All-American and top-five recruit. The 6-foot-8 Collins, a Los Angeles native, turned down offers from programs like Kentucky and UCLA to join USC. His impressive average of 26.1 points per game promises to be a game-changer for the Trojans.
Collins is joined by the Ratliff brothers, Adonis and Darius, both McDonald’s All-Americans from Archbishop Stepinac High School. Adonis, a five-star center, is praised for his versatility and averages 12.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. His brother, Darius, a 7-foot center, adds strength to the team with 9.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
With the departure of veteran players and a tough end to last season, these new recruits are expected to make an immediate impact. The Trojans are ready to turn the page and write a new chapter, aiming to restore their legacy and excite their fans once again.