USC Makes Major Statement on Early Signing Day with Mater Dei Haul
For all the jokes about USC not tapping into the Mater Dei pipeline, the Trojans just sent a clear message: that narrative doesn't hold up this year. On early national signing day, USC locked in four key commitments from the Southern California powerhouse - and one of them came with a dramatic twist.
Let’s start with the expected names. Defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui, linebacker Shaun Scott, and offensive lineman Mark Bowman were all long projected to sign with USC.
These are foundational pieces - the kind of recruits who don’t just fill out a class, but help define the next era of Trojan football. Each brings size, versatility, and a high football IQ honed in one of the most competitive high school programs in the country.
But the real headline-grabber? Wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who flipped his commitment from Ohio State to USC - and the timing couldn’t have been more pivotal. His decision came just hours after Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s highly respected wide receivers coach and recruiting ace, left Columbus to take the head coaching job at South Florida.
Hartline’s departure sent shockwaves through the Buckeyes’ recruiting class, particularly among receivers, and USC didn’t waste a second. Dixon-Wyatt is a big-time playmaker - the kind of athlete who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and thrive in a high-octane offense. For USC, landing him wasn’t just about adding talent; it was about capitalizing on a rare opportunity and showing they can still go toe-to-toe with the sport’s elite programs on the recruiting trail.
There’s also been some buzz around Chris Henry Jr., another standout Mater Dei receiver and one of the top prospects in the country. While reports suggest Henry is staying committed to Ohio State, the timing of Hartline’s exit - right in the heart of signing day - certainly raised some eyebrows.
If there’s any program positioned to make a late push, it’s USC. But for now, that situation remains fluid, and any movement would likely come through official channels.
Recruiting is always part chess match, part sprint - and this year, USC played it with precision. Four Mater Dei commits, including a high-profile flip, is more than just a strong haul.
It’s a statement. The Trojans are reasserting their presence in Southern California, and doing it with players who’ve already been tested at the highest levels of high school football.
This isn’t just about winning signing day headlines. It’s about reestablishing a recruiting identity that connects Los Angeles’ top talent with its hometown program. And if this class is any indication, USC is back to building from the inside out - starting with Mater Dei.