USC Lands Longtime Commit Ja’Myron Baker, a Reliable Slot Weapon with Upside
It’s been more than two years since Ja’Myron Baker first told Lincoln Riley he wanted to be a Trojan. Now, that early promise has officially turned into a signature. On the opening day of the Early Signing Period, Baker made it official, putting pen to paper and joining USC’s 2026 recruiting class.
The wide receiver out of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) has been on USC’s radar - and in their plans - for a long time. He committed all the way back during the pregame of USC’s Week 2 blowout win over Nevada, when he was just starting his sophomore year at Los Alamitos.
At the time, he was catching passes from five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson, who was also committed to the Trojans. Baker didn’t wait for the recruiting process to heat up.
He knew where he wanted to be.
“I’ve always wanted to go to USC, so I didn’t see any reason to hold off,” he said at the time. “I’ve been thinking about doing this for a bit and the timing just felt right to me.”
That early decision made Baker the first verbal commit in what would become USC’s No. 1-ranked 2026 class. He was also the first wide receiver Lincoln Riley offered in the cycle - a strong early signal that the Trojans saw something they liked.
The Numbers Behind the Name
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 170 pounds, Baker isn’t the flashiest wideout in the class, but he’s been productive. This past season at Sierra Canyon, he led the offense with 40 receptions for 625 yards and eight touchdowns.
According to 247Sports, he ranks as the No. 92 wide receiver nationally and the No. 51 overall prospect in California. He’s listed as the No. 630 overall player in the 247Sports Composite.
Those numbers tell part of the story. Baker isn’t going to blow you away with top-end speed or prototypical size, but he knows how to get open and makes the catch when it counts. That’s a skill set that translates, especially on third downs and in tight coverage situations.
Where He Fits in the USC Offense
Baker projects as a big slot receiver at the next level - a role where his route-running, hands, and football IQ can shine. He’s not a burner, but he’s smooth in and out of breaks and has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. After missing his entire sophomore season due to a serious knee injury, Baker bounced back strong as a junior, showing resilience and maturity in his game.
With USC’s receiver room always loaded with talent, Baker likely won’t be rushed onto the field. Expect him to take a year or two to develop physically and adjust to the speed of the college game. But once he’s ready, he could become a reliable option for whoever’s under center in Riley’s offense.
Scouting Snapshot: A Fluid Athlete with Two-Way Skills
One of the most intriguing aspects of Baker’s game is his versatility. While he’s being brought in to play receiver, he also flashed real potential on the defensive side of the ball this past season.
He played plenty of cornerback, especially late in the year, and didn’t look out of place. He showed natural cover instincts, physicality in run support, and an ability to track the ball in the air - traits that speak to his overall athleticism and football sense.
As a receiver, Baker’s body control stands out. He can elevate and make contested catches look routine, and he’s got the kind of reliable hands that coaches love in pressure situations. He’s not the kind of player who’s going to dominate highlight reels with 80-yard touchdowns, but he’s the guy who moves the chains, makes the smart play, and does the little things right.
Bottom Line
USC’s 2026 class is loaded with talent, but few players have been part of the journey as long as Ja’Myron Baker. His commitment was early, his development has been steady, and now his future is officially in cardinal and gold. He may not be the headliner of the class, but he’s the kind of glue piece that championship teams are built on - a dependable receiver with a high football IQ, strong work ethic, and the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball if needed.
Baker’s story is just getting started at USC, but the Trojans already know what they’re getting: a smart, tough, reliable player who’s been all-in from the start.