The USC Trojans’ 2027 recruiting class is no longer waiting in the wings-it’s officially in motion, and fast. Just over a month ago, USC had zero commitments on the board.
Now, Lincoln Riley and his staff are not only stacking early wins, but they’re also trending in a big way for several top-tier prospects across key positions. The Trojans aren’t just filling a class-they’re shaping a roster with purpose, built for the Big Ten era.
From Zero to Building Blocks: Early Commitments Spark Momentum
It all started with a statement at the Navy All-American Bowl, where four-star cornerback Aaryn Washington gave USC its first pledge of the cycle. That was more than just a recruiting win-it was a signal that the Trojans were ready to start addressing needs in the secondary with high-ceiling talent.
Not long after, wide receiver Eli Woodard followed suit, becoming commitment No. 2.
That pairing-an elite corner and a dynamic pass catcher-gave USC a foundation to build on and showed that Riley’s approach is more about precision than volume. He’s targeting quality over quantity, with a clear eye on cultural fit, positional need, and long-term upside.
Behind the scenes, the strategy is clicking. Riley is leaning into in-state relationships, bolstered by the defensive stability brought by veteran coordinator Gary Patterson and the NIL infrastructure led by Chad Bowden. That trio is giving USC a recruiting edge-and it’s starting to show.
All Eyes on Quentin Hale: The Crown Jewel of the WR Class?
One of the biggest stories brewing is Quentin Hale. He’s California’s top-ranked wide receiver and sits No. 7 nationally at the position. He’s also the Trojans’ top target, and all signs point to USC being in the driver’s seat.
Multiple recruiting insiders-including Steve Wiltfong, Greg Biggins, Adam Gorney, and Scott Schrader-have logged crystal ball predictions in USC’s favor. That’s not just smoke; that’s momentum.
Hale had originally planned to wait until March or April to announce, but he’s now eyeing a February 20th decision. If USC closes the deal, it would likely round out the wide receiver group early, pairing Hale with Woodard and potentially locking in the ideal trio for 2027. That would allow the staff to shift focus to other areas, knowing they’ve secured one of the most explosive receiver groups in the country.
Sleeper at Running Back: Jeremy Adeyanju Turning Heads
While Hale’s recruitment grabs headlines, don’t overlook Jeremy Adeyanju. The three-star back out of Arizona may not carry the same national buzz, but USC’s staff sees something special.
At 6'0", 215 pounds, Adeyanju brings a physical, downhill style that fits the Trojans’ evolving offensive identity. His junior year numbers-1,167 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns-back that up. Fresh off a strong Junior Day visit, he’s now trending toward USC, with Wiltfong projecting him to the Trojans.
It’s the kind of under-the-radar recruitment that’s quietly become a USC specialty. Think of past hits like King Miller-backs who may not be five-stars on paper but fit the scheme and thrive in the system.
Defensive Line Focus: Legacy DT Isaia Vandermade
In the trenches, USC is going hard after Isaia Vandermade, and for good reason. At 6'4", 280 pounds, the Santa Margarita Catholic standout has the kind of twitch and power that jumps off the tape. His quick first step and ability to disrupt inside were on full display during his team’s state championship run.
But this one’s about more than just talent-it’s about legacy. Vandermade’s father, Lenny, played and coached at USC and is now on staff at Santa Margarita alongside Carson Palmer. That Trojan connection runs deep.
USC offered Vandermade last week, shortly after Skyler Jones was promoted to defensive tackles coach. The timing isn’t a coincidence.
Crystal balls are already coming in from Biggins, Gorney, and Wiltfong, and it’s clear the staff views him as a foundational piece for the defensive front. Don’t let the three-star rating fool you-this is a high-priority target, and the staff knows it.
Secondary Taking Shape: Washington Leads, More May Follow
With Aaryn Washington already locked in, the Trojans are building a defensive backfield that could be a real strength. The biggest name still on the board?
Honor Fa’alave Johnson, the top-ranked safety in the country. USC is in a strong position here, thanks to a clear defensive scheme and confidence in its NIL program.
Johnson isn’t rushing his decision, but the Trojans are viewed as the favorite after recent visits. Add in safety Gavin Williams out of Damien (La Verne), who’s also trending USC’s way, and cornerback Danny Lang, and you’re looking at a group that could round out with four to five defensive backs-each with the ability to contribute early.
Big Picture: A Class That Could Define USC’s Big Ten Era
What’s happening in this 2027 class isn’t just about names on a list-it’s about setting a tone. Lincoln Riley and his staff are building with intent, targeting players who can thrive in the physical, grind-it-out world of Big Ten football. They’re leaning into local ties, identifying undervalued talent, and creating a class with real identity.
With spring visits on the horizon and major announcements like Hale’s on deck, the energy around USC recruiting is real-and rising. If this momentum holds, the Trojans aren’t just assembling a top-tier class. They’re crafting the core of a roster that could compete at the highest level in their new conference home.
The message is clear: USC recruiting is heating up, and the rest of the Big Ten better take notice.