The USC Trojans are making a serious push to lock down top-tier talent from their own backyard, and their latest scholarship offer is already making waves in the 2027 recruiting cycle. Westlake High School standout Charles Davis has officially put USC at the top of his list, and it’s not hard to see why.
The moment the Trojans extended the offer, Davis didn’t hold back-calling USC his “dream school” and making it clear that this offer hit different. For a Southern California kid, the chance to suit up for the Trojans carries more than just football implications-it’s personal. And that emotional tie could be the key to what’s shaping up to be a major recruiting win for Lincoln Riley and his staff.
A Versatile Weapon: Wideout or Tight End?
Davis brings a unique blend of size and athleticism to the table. At 6'5", 200 pounds, he’s a matchup nightmare in the making.
But where he fits in USC’s offense is still a matter of debate. Recruiting services are split: Rivals lists him as a tight end (currently unranked), while 247Sports slots him in as a three-star wide receiver, ranking him in the 87-91 range nationally at the position.
Right now, his frame and play style seem more aligned with an outside receiver role-especially in the Big Ten, where physicality at the line is a different beast. But with time in a college weight program, Davis has the potential to grow into a hybrid TE/WR role.
Think of him as a future mismatch piece-too fast for linebackers, too big for corners. In Riley’s offense, that kind of versatility is gold.
USC’s 2027 WR/TE Blueprint
The Trojans are clearly being selective with their 2027 skill position targets. The current plan?
Three wide receiver commitments, maybe four if the right guy comes along. At tight end, the numbers are even tighter-likely just one spot.
Here’s the current lay of the land:
- Committed: Eli Woodard (WR)
- Trending USC: Quentin Hale (WR), with strong expert predictions backing it up
- Still in play: IMG Academy’s Eric McFarland and Osani Gayles as possible third WR additions
- Tight end target: Rahzario Edwards out of Northern California remains a top priority
So where does Davis fit? That’s the million-dollar question.
If he commits, does he become WR3 in this class? Or does USC see him as their lone tight end take?
Either way, the offer speaks volumes. USC doesn’t toss out scholarships just to fill quotas-they offer guys they want on the field.
Offers > Stars
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the rankings. Davis isn’t blowing up the star charts just yet.
But if you’re focused only on stars, you’re missing the bigger picture. His offer sheet tells a different story.
Oregon, Georgia, Oklahoma, Miami, SMU, BYU, Nebraska, Minnesota-the list is long and impressive. These are programs that know how to evaluate talent, and some of them are known for developing elite tight ends (Georgia, anyone?).
Oregon had been leading the race for Davis, with Georgia and Oklahoma in close pursuit. But USC’s offer changed the game.
The Trojans shot straight to the top of his list, and a campus visit is expected soon. That visit could be the tipping point.
Why Davis Matters for USC
In today’s college football world-where NIL deals and the transfer portal can shift rosters overnight-landing a local kid who grew up dreaming of playing for your program carries real weight. Davis isn’t just another recruit; he’s the kind of player who could set the tone for the rest of the class.
For Lincoln Riley, wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons, and tight ends coach Chad Savage, Davis checks a lot of boxes: local roots, positional flexibility, high ceiling, and immediate buy-in. He’s the type of athlete who could contribute early and develop into a true weapon in the Big Ten.
And for USC, it’s about more than just one player. It’s about reestablishing in-state dominance-keeping elite California talent home and building a roster that can compete nationally. Davis could be a cornerstone in that mission.
So don’t get caught up in the star ratings. Look at the offers, the fit, and the upside. Charles Davis is a name to watch, and if USC can seal the deal, it might just be one of the savviest moves of their 2027 cycle.