USC’s Mater Dei pipeline keeps getting deeper, and the Trojans are making another strong run at one of the next names in that line.
After landing four blue-chip prospects from Mater Dei (Calif.) in the 2026 class - tight end Mark Bowman, receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui and linebacker Shaun Scott - USC added another piece from the powerhouse program in 2027 with four-star cornerback commit Danny Lang. Four-star cornerback commit Aaryn “J.O.” Washington also previously played at Mater Dei before transferring to IMG Academy (Fla.) in January.
Now the Trojans are pushing hard for Mater Dei 2028 four-star safety Ace Leutele, and the pitch is coming from familiar faces. Leutele said Lang and several of USC’s 2026 signees have been urging him to join them in Los Angeles.
“Danny's always trying to tell me to come to USC, alongside with all of my other old teammates that was in the '26 class,” Leutele said. “Guys like Tomu, Mark, Kayden and Shaun, all those guys. It'd be nice to go play with them guys again, but we'll see what God holds for me in the future.”
Oklahoma, Nebraska and Washington are also in the mix for Leutele, but USC has long been viewed as the favorite for the local two-way standout. The appeal goes beyond the field, too, with teammates selling him on the Trojans’ environment, coaching staff and what comes after football.
“They talk about California because it is home, that's a big advantage for them,” Leutele said. “The culture around the team, the coaching staff and the environment. And you look at all the graduates from USC, they're all pretty set up for life, so that's really a big reason why they want me to come.”
Leutele has known USC for years. He grew up going to Coliseum games to watch his older cousins, and his recruiting profile was already rising before high school.
Over time, his ties with the program have only grown, especially with Chad Bowden and Coach Dogg (Aaron Amaama). Being close to home matters, too.
“It would help for sure because I don't want my family flying out every week,” Leutele said. “It'd be easier for them to just drive down the road and catch me at the Coliseum, or I could go visit my home anytime I want, I wouldn't have to catch a flight. It'd be great for them to be around and still be in my corner.”
This month, Leutele even showed up to a passing tournament wearing a USC headband and gloves. The Trojans still don’t have a commitment in the 2028 class, but if they’re going to get one early, Leutele looks like the name to watch.
USC’s recruiting push around Mater Dei isn’t happening in a vacuum, either. Lang has also been working on teammates from his own secondary, including Mission Viejo (Calif.) 2028 four-star defensive back Jordan Hicks and Santa Margarita (Calif.) 2028 four-star cornerback Ca’ron “Prime” Williams.
Elsewhere, other Trojan commits are doing their part. Damien (Calif.) 2027 four-star safety commit Gavin Williams is recruiting Hicks; the two have known each other since youth football at age 12. Williams also won a state championship last year with three Trojan freshmen and 2027 three-star defensive line commit Isaia Vandermade.
Servite (Calif.) 2027 four-star offensive tackle Drew Fielder is trying to bring in his teammate, 2028 four-star linebacker Allen “Cinco” Kennett V. Corona Centennial (Calif.) 2027 four-star receiver commit Quentin Hale is pushing for teammate 2028 three-star running back Malaki Davis, and he’s also making a case to Tustin (Calif.) 2028 four-star receiver Hayden Koo, along with 2027 San Diego (Calif.) 2027 five-star athlete commit Honor Fa’alave-Johnson.
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