The USC Trojans are already sitting atop the 2026 recruiting rankings, and they might not be done just yet. Four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, a standout from powerhouse Mater Dei High School, is now trending toward flipping his commitment from Ohio State to USC. Multiple recruiting insiders, including Steve Wiltfong, Adam Gorney, and Greg Biggins, are predicting that the Trojans could land another major offensive weapon.
USC has been working on Dixon-Wyatt ever since he pledged to the Buckeyes back on May 4. And now, with momentum shifting, the Trojans look poised to add yet another dynamic playmaker to what’s already shaping up to be an electric 2026 offensive class.
Dixon-Wyatt’s tape speaks for itself. He’s a polished route-runner with strong hands and the kind of burst that separates him from defenders in a flash.
If he does flip, don’t be surprised if he competes for playing time right out of the gate. USC’s offense under Lincoln Riley has always been friendly to talented freshmen, especially those who can stretch the field and make plays in space.
And Dixon-Wyatt wouldn’t be joining this class alone. He’d reunite with Mater Dei teammate Mark Bowman, a five-star tight end who’s already committed to the Trojans. That kind of built-in chemistry is huge at the college level, especially in Riley’s system, which thrives on timing and trust between quarterbacks and pass catchers.
The 2026 class also features other blue-chip offensive talent, including four-star running back Elbert Hill IV out of Archbishop Hoban, wide receiver Bobbie Feaster from DeSoto, and quarterback Jonas Williams of Lincoln-Way East. That’s a group that could define USC’s offensive identity for years to come.
Dixon-Wyatt is currently ranked as the No. 18 wide receiver in the 2026 cycle, No. 15 overall in California, and No. 136 nationally. He’s been a priority for several top programs, including Oregon, but USC’s strong in-state recruiting presence has clearly made a difference. Of the Trojans’ 34 current commits, 19 hail from California - a testament to Riley’s ability to lock down local talent.
And this potential flip would come at a critical time. USC is expected to lose two of its top wideouts - Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane - to the NFL Draft after this season.
Dixon-Wyatt could step into a significant role early, especially if quarterback Jayden Maiava returns for another season. Maiava has been lights-out this year, leading the Big Ten in passing with over 3,400 yards and 23 touchdowns.
If he’s back in 2026, Dixon-Wyatt could be one of his go-to targets.
Riley’s track record with wide receivers is well-documented. From CeeDee Lamb and Hollywood Brown at Oklahoma to Jordan Addison at USC, his offenses consistently produce NFL-ready talent. It’s no surprise that elite pass catchers want to play in his system - and Dixon-Wyatt could be the next in line.
USC’s wide receiver legacy is rich, and the program continues to be a magnet for elite talent. Add in the familiarity Dixon-Wyatt already has with fellow commits like Bowman and four-star tight end Josiah Jefferson, and it’s easy to see how this class could hit the ground running in 2026.
The road ahead won’t be easy. USC’s upcoming Big Ten schedule is no joke, with home games against Ohio State, Oregon, and possibly Notre Dame, plus road trips to Indiana and Penn State. But with a loaded recruiting class and a proven offensive architect in Riley, the Trojans are building a roster that can compete with anyone.
If Dixon-Wyatt does flip, he won’t just be another name on a commitment list - he could be a foundational piece of USC’s next great offense.
