USC’s season opener against San Jose State is already doing work on the recruiting trail, and the Trojans are set to host one of the top local defensive backs in the 2028 class.
Mission Viejo four-star Jordan Hicks has locked in a game day visit for Aug. 29, according to 247Sports’ Blair Angulo. Hicks is also expected to hit other schools this fall, including UCLA, Oklahoma, Alabama and Oregon, but USC will get the first real shot to leave a mark as his recruitment continues to pick up.
That interest didn’t come out of nowhere. Hicks earned his USC offer last October while visiting the Coliseum to watch the Trojans beat Michigan.
He returned to campus twice in the spring, connected with several freshmen he already knew from playing with and against them, and later worked out at USC in June. Since then, he has kept building his relationship with cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed.
There’s also a familiar face helping USC’s case. Damien 2027 four-star safety commit Gavin Williams has been the loudest recruiter in Hicks’ ear, and the two go way back to their youth football days.
Hicks put it plainly: “That's my guy, I grew up with him,” Hicks said. “He is talking to me the most about USC and what we could do there."
Mater Dei 2027 four-star cornerback Danny Lang is also pitching Hicks on the idea of joining the group in Los Angeles.
For now, Hicks is keeping his recruitment open even as the list of major programs chasing him grows. Still, his familiarity with USC’s players is clearly part of the Trojans’ appeal. A return trip for the Ohio State game on Oct. 31 is also a possibility.
USC’s opener visit list is starting to take shape with more local names, too. Servite four-star linebacker Allen “Cinco” Kennett V is set to attend after already visiting campus three times since landing an offer in March. Kennett has become a priority as USC keeps pushing to strengthen its Trinity League pipeline.
“It feels like home over there,” Kennett said. “It's in my backyard too.
I love Coach [Mike] Eckler, I love his energy. I think I work really well with him.”
Kennett stays in regular contact with the USC staff and is getting his own push from teammate and 2027 four-star offensive tackle commit Drew Fielder.
Another local target, Palos Verdes 2028 four-star safety Jalen Flowers, already has two game day visits lined up with USC, beginning with the opener. Flowers is a two-way standout, and the Trojans have a chance to keep building momentum with him early.
USC also recently added Santa Margarita 2028 three-star running back Jaion “Duce” Smith to its board after a June workout. Smith’s cousin is former USC All-Conference defensive back Jaylin Smith, and he comes with his own winning résumé after helping lead his team to a state championship last season with three freshmen on the roster and 2027 three-star defensive line commit Isaia Vandermade.
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