USC’s early work in the 2028 recruiting cycle has put a spotlight on a rising in-state wideout who is still flying under the radar: JJ Haley.
The Corona Del Mar High School receiver has started to build real momentum after his sophomore season, and the interest is no longer limited to one corner of the country. Haley picked up offers from Arizona State on March 23 and Colorado State on May 12, according to 247Sports, and his summer has included work in seven-on-seven events like the South County Classic and Battle of the Beach. That stretch has helped push him onto USC’s radar, along with several other programs.
Haley is heading into his junior year without national rankings, but the profile is there for a breakout. He stands 6-3 and 200 pounds, and he also plays baseball, which only adds to the intrigue around his recruiting upside.
His first varsity season came in 2025-2026, and he made it count: 35 catches, 653 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games, per MaxPreps. That production earned him First Team All-Bravo League honors.
On the field, Haley looks like a classic X-receiver with downfield juice. He gets off the line quickly, tracks the ball well and has the size to win contested catches.
He’s also shown he can be a dependable option near the goal line, and he brings value as a blocker on screen and run plays. Even when the play breaks down, he finds ways to get open for his quarterback.
He is not a pure burner, but defenders still have a hard time staying glued to him. His footwork, head fakes and stutter steps help him create separation, and once the ball is in his hands, he can make people miss.
It often takes more than one defender to get him on the ground. There is even some long-term versatility here, with the possibility of a move to tight end at the next level if needed, though improved route running and speed could make him a dangerous deep threat.
Rivals’ Greg Biggins reported that Haley has already met with Southern Cal and Stanford this summer. Haley told Biggins that his USC visit went “great” and said he feels a connection to the program as a SoCal native.
Wisconsin and Washington have also been part of the conversation, but Biggins noted that Arizona State is the current frontrunner. Haley called that opportunity a “dream come true” and told Biggins he is in no hurry to make a decision, choosing instead to stay focused on the season ahead.
USC still has not landed a receiver in the 2028 class, even as the staff continues building with other in-state targets such as Ca’ron “Prime” Williams, Malaki Davis and Allen “Cinco” Kennett V. The Trojans are also pushing hard for four-star Hayden Koo of Tustin High School, another receiver on the board as the class takes shape.
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