USC has been casting a wide net at receiver in the 2028 cycle, but with Jett Harrison heading to Ohio State and Armani Strong off to Florida, the Trojans have zeroed in on another big-name target: four-star wideout Dennis Tua’one.
The catch is that USC isn’t alone in this one. Miami is sitting in the driver’s seat, according to Rivals’ Adam Gorney, and the Hurricanes have plenty working in their favor.
USC got in early with an offer in March, then brought Tua’one in for his first unofficial visit on June 11. The Trojans have a real selling point in inside receivers/tight ends coach Chad Savage, along with the program’s track record of developing wideouts and sending them to the NFL. Tua’one made that much clear when he spoke with Kendell Hollowell of USC Trojans On SI.
“USC is a national brand with a huge history, especially at my position,” Tua’one told Kendell Hollowell of USC Trojans On SI. “The combination of academics, player development, and the opportunities that come with being in LA is intriguing. The way they use versatile athletes stands out to me.”
Still, the home-state pull may be even stronger for Miami. Tua’one grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before moving with his family to Utah when he was about 8 years old. The Hurricanes also moved first, offering him on February 24 and getting him on campus for the start of his spring visits on June 7.
Per Rivals, Miami’s edge goes beyond geography. Tua’one’s connection with receivers coach Kevin Beard and recruiting staffer Steven Necuze has helped the Hurricanes stay out front, and he was also impressed by Miami’s 2025 season and the number of alumni who showed up during a camp.
“I feel like it’s getting there for sure,” Tua’one told Gorney about Miami becoming the frontrunner. “If everybody trusts in the coaches and trusts in what [Mario Cristobal] can do then he can bring it back to what it used to be. Last season they showed a little bit of what they can do.”
USC has already felt this storyline once this year. The Hurricanes pulled four-star receiver Eli Woodard, a 2027 prospect, away from the Trojans after Woodard initially committed to Southern Cal in February, decommitted on May 19, and then chose Miami on June 30.
Tua’one is heading into his junior year at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah. He is ranked No. 79 nationally by 247Sports and No. 76 by On3/Rivals, is the No. 11 receiver in the class, and sits at No. 3 in Utah.
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Tua’one did a little bit of everything in the 2024-2025 season, splitting time on both sides of the ball per MaxPreps. He threw for 76 yards and a touchdown on four attempts, rushed for 31 yards on two carries, and caught 24 passes for 371 yards and four touchdowns. He also handled punting and return duties, finishing with 94 kickoff-return yards and 168 punt-return yards, while also getting snaps at cornerback.
The film points to a player who can stress defenses in a hurry. Tua’one has the burst to turn screens into chunk plays, the speed to win on fades and go routes, and the first step to separate quickly. His yards-after-catch ability stands out most, whether he’s running away from defenders or grinding out needed yards on third down, and he’s shown reliable hands along with the ability to win 50-50 balls.
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