USC added a key piece to its offensive line future on Wednesday, officially signing three-star lineman Kannon Smith out of Valor Christian High School in Colorado. Smith, a longtime Trojan commit, brings size, athleticism, and versatility to a USC front that’s been actively retooling under head coach Lincoln Riley.
At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Smith has the physical tools you look for in a Power Five lineman, but what’s just as important is how he got here-and how he fits into USC’s long-term plans.
The Road to USC: A Relationship-Driven Commitment
Smith’s recruitment started under former offensive line coach Josh Henson, but it was Zach Hanson, who took over the position group in the offseason, that sealed the deal. Hanson made a strong impression early, hosting Smith during USC’s Junior Day in February-a visit that turned out to be a game-changer.
At the time, USC wasn’t even in Smith’s top three. Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon were leading the pack.
But that trip to Los Angeles shifted the momentum. Smith returned in the spring and committed not long after, citing his growing bond with Hanson as a major factor.
“Coach Hanson is one of my favorite offensive line coaches I’ve ever spoken with,” Smith said during the process. “He genuinely cares about you as a player and as a person. He’s an overall great person.”
That kind of connection matters, especially in the trenches where trust and development go hand-in-hand. For USC, landing Smith was about more than just adding a body-it was about bringing in a player who believes in the vision and the people behind it.
A Closer Look at the Prospect
Smith enters the fold as the No. 64 offensive tackle in the 2026 class and ranks as the No. 10 overall player in Colorado, according to 247Sports. The 247Sports Composite slots him as the No. 52 tackle nationally and No. 572 overall, which speaks to both his potential and room for growth.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Smith is a multi-sport athlete with a well-rounded athletic profile. He’s played both sides of the line at Valor Christian, logging 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks as a junior on defense.
He also has a background in baseball and basketball, and he throws shot put and discus-posting personal bests of 48 feet, 1 inch in the shot and 133 feet, 8 inches in the discus. That kind of athletic diversity is a strong indicator of his movement skills and coordination, both critical traits for offensive linemen at the next level.
While his senior-year defensive stats were limited-just one tackle, which happened to be a sack-his focus has clearly shifted toward refining his game on the offensive side.
Projecting Smith’s Role in the Trojan Trenches
Though he’s rated as a tackle, USC sees Smith’s future on the interior-specifically at center. That’s a notable projection, especially since he’s never played the position at the high school level. But the Trojans didn’t sign a true center prospect in this class, and Smith is already being penciled in as the most likely candidate to eventually take over in the middle.
That transition won’t happen overnight. With starter Kilian O’Connor and freshman Willi Wascher both returning, along with rotational guard/center Kaylon Miller, there’s no immediate need to rush Smith into the fire. Expect him to spend his first year on the scout team, learning the nuances of the position-snap mechanics, line calls, and the mental side of anchoring an offensive line.
Still, the upside is there. Smith has the frame to hold up inside and the athleticism to thrive in space. If he can master the technical demands of playing center, he could become a foundational piece for USC’s offensive line in the years to come.
What Makes Smith Stand Out
According to evaluators, Smith has the kind of flexibility that coaches love. He’s shown he can play both left and right tackle, and while he has the frame to move inside, he also has the footwork and mobility to stick outside if needed. That kind of versatility is rare-and valuable.
He plays with a physical edge, showing the kind of toughness that translates well to college football. On defense, he flashed the ability to get upfield and make plays outside his immediate area, a testament to his athleticism and motor. He’s fluid in his movements, strong at the point of attack, and doesn’t shy away from contact.
In short, Smith checks a lot of boxes. He’s not a finished product, but he doesn’t need to be-not yet. What he brings is potential, positional flexibility, and a mindset that fits what USC is building.
The Bottom Line
Kannon Smith is the kind of developmental lineman that can quietly become a major contributor down the line. He’s not the flashiest name in USC’s 2026 class, but he might be one of the most important long-term. With the right coaching and time to grow into a new role, Smith could be snapping the ball for the Trojans sooner than later.
For now, he’s a high-upside addition to a group that’s starting to take shape-and another sign that USC is serious about building from the inside out.