What is the greatest USC football recruiting class of all-time?

USC football’s No. 8 recruiting class: 2015

Grade: 7/10 Class Ranking: 2nd nationally | 1st in Pac-12 Class Composition:

4 ★★★★★ 14 ★★★★ 8 ★★★

Contributors from the 2015 class were pivotal to USC’s success in 2016 and the 2017 Pac-12 title.

Exceeded expectations:

Four-star quarterback Sam Darnold left USC as one of the brightest quarterbacks in Trojan history. His success paired with that of several other highly-rated prospects built a strong foundation for the class of 2015.

Five-star cornerback Iman Marshall started 48 times while topping out with an All-Pac-12 second-team selection. He likely deserved more than that too.

Four-star linebacker Cameron Smith was a four-year starter and All-Pac-12 first-teamer who led USC in tackles three consecutive times.

Probably the best of the defenders, five-star Rasheem Green was an All-Pac-12 first-team selection and CollegeFootballNews.com All-American second-teamer after an outstanding 2017 campaign. He finished with 20 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in his career.

Meanwhile, four-star running back Ronald Jones II set a USC record for freshman rushing yards and went on to finish fifth on USC’s career rushing list. He picked up All-American honors along the way.

Three-star receiver Deontay Burnett also took his opportunity to emerge on the scene in 2016, catching three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl before leading USC in receiving in 2017.

Contributors:

Five-star offensive lineman Chuma Edoga was a solid starter in 26 games and a contributor in 44 total.

Four-star linebacker Porter Gustin and safety Marvell Tell were also major figures on the defense, even if the former’s career was heavily limited by injury.

Linebacker John Houston, cornerback Isaiah Langley and tight end Tyler Petite were regular starters, though none quite lived up to their four-star billing.

Three-star Aca’Cedric Ware left the Trojans with seven career 100-yard rushing games, including a 200-yard performance against Arizona.

Disappointments:

Four-star defensive lineman Jacob Daniel moved to the offensive line but never made his way into the regular rotation. Four-star offensive tackle Clayton Bradley struggled to overcome nagging injuries and opted to transfer. Four-star Ykili Ross also transferred away.

Four-star quarterback Ricky Town didn’t last through fall camp before opting to transfer out. Four-star defensive lineman Noah Jefferson also opted to transfer after a promising freshman season in 2015.

Junior college transfers De’Quan Hampton and Isaac Whitney never made the consistent impact the Trojans hoped.

As for five-star linebacker Osa Masina, he has been dismissed from the team and is awaiting trial for sexual assault charges.