Aaryn Washington is on the move-and so is his game.
The Top100 cornerback, formerly suiting up for powerhouse Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Calif., is now headed across the country to wrap up his high school career at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. That’s a coast-to-coast shift that speaks volumes-not just about his ambition, but about the kind of national-level talent he brings to the table. Washington isn’t just one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class-he’s already playing like a future star on Saturdays and, quite possibly, Sundays.
This move to IMG is more than just a change of scenery. It’s a strategic step for a player who’s already drawn offers from some of the biggest programs in college football.
Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss, Nebraska-the list reads like a who’s who of college football royalty. And yet, when it came time to make a decision, Washington made his call on one of the sport’s biggest stages: the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl.
That’s where he committed to USC, giving the Trojans a massive win in a recruiting battle that had no shortage of heavyweights.
According to 247Sports, Washington is ranked as the No. 51 overall player in the 2027 class, the No. 8 cornerback nationally, and the No. 5 prospect in the state of Florida-even before he’s played a down in the Sunshine State. The industry composite rankings place him at No. 83 overall, but make no mistake: this is a blue-chip prospect whose stock is still climbing.
At 6-foot, 152 pounds, Washington may not have the prototypical size just yet, but he plays with a physical edge that belies his frame. He’s not afraid to get into receivers at the line, and when he makes contact, it matters.
More importantly, he’s got the kind of lockdown ability that every defensive coordinator dreams about. Whether it’s man coverage, zone responsibilities, or reacting in space, Washington has shown he can hang with just about anyone in the country.
This is a player with elite instincts, fluid hips, and the kind of closing speed that turns 50/50 balls into no-fly zones. He’s got the technical polish you expect from a Mater Dei product and now, with a full season ahead at IMG-where he'll face top-tier national competition every week-he’s only going to sharpen those tools further.
Washington's commitment to USC also speaks to the Trojans’ continued focus on rebuilding their defense with elite talent. Landing a player of his caliber, especially in a class as deep as 2027, is a statement. It’s a sign that USC is not just recruiting well-they’re recruiting with purpose.
There’s still plenty of football ahead before Washington sets foot on a college campus, but all signs point to a player whose ceiling is as high as any in the nation. From the West Coast to the East Coast, and now locked in with a storied program like USC, Aaryn Washington is a name we’ll be hearing for a long time.