Final rankings confirm the greatness of USC's historic recruiting class

The USC Trojans have made history as the first non-SEC football program to claim the No. 1 spot in high school recruiting in over fifteen years. While that’s not brand-new information, both the Trojans and the recruiting world recently saw the final player ranking adjustments of the cycle.

These updates only served to further cement the Trojans’ status as the undisputed kings of recruiting in 2026. Below are the final recruiting rankings for each USC commit.

Luke Wafle headlines USC's five-star haul

USC boasts four five-star prospects in this class. New Jersey edge Luke Wafle isn’t just a five-star, he’s the No. 1 recruit in the nation regardless of position. The standout racked up 99 tackles and 23 sacks in his senior season and recently took home MVP honors at the Navy All-American Game.

Joining him is Mark Bowman, a Mater Dei tight end standout ranked No. 32 nationally and among the top five players in California, who’s expected to be ready to start from day one. An offensive tackle from IMG Academy with Southern California roots is widely regarded as the top player at his position and, like Bowman, could start immediately for the Trojans.

Rounding out the group is Jamieon Winfield, a defensive lineman from Richardson, TX, who earned his fifth star in the final rankings and is considered a top three player at his position, bringing another culture setting presence to the team.

Trojans continue to strike gold in home state

The Trojans locked in 35 commitments for 2026, with 57% of the class coming from California, showing that local recruiting was a top priority for General Manager Chad Bowden and Lincoln Riley. Joining Mark Bowman is his teammate, elite wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who the Trojans flipped from Ohio State on National Signing Day. A top-five player in the state,

Dixon-Wyatt is part of an electric group of pass catchers in this class. Running back Deshonne Redeaux, a blue-chip prospect from Los Angeles and a top-ten player at his position, represents the future of USC’s talented backfield. Up north, elite offensive tackle Vlad Dyakonov from Folsom is the second blue-chip tackle in the class and will pair nicely with Keenyi Pepe. These two are set to anchor the position for years to come. Vlad ranks comfortably in the top 300 nationally and as high as No. 8 in the state.

Rounding out the blue-chip California prospects are Tomuhini Topui, another Mater Dei standout ranked No. 124 nationally, and Brandon Lockhart. Lockhart, from Los Angeles, is part of a strong defensive back group and sits among the top 20 players in the state. Santa Margarita Catholic edge rusher Simote Katoanga is ranked right behind Lockhart at No. 20 in the state. Josiah Jefferson (Chula Vista, CA), T

rent Mosley (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), and Luc Weaver (Sherman Oaks, CA) are closely ranked and make up an outstanding receiving corps for 2026. Jefferson is the No. 1 tight end in the junior college ranks, while Mosley shined on his way to a state championship. Shaun Scott, the final blue-chip commit from the state and yet another Mater Dei product, is ranked as high as No. 16 at his position.

The Trojans brand extends across the country

The Trojans had an outstanding recruiting run in California, and their in-state commits alone would make for an impressive class. But despite the false narrative pushed by rivals and media, USC is a true national brand, and that’s clear from their out-of-state haul. Luke Wafle stands out as the prized out-of-state recruit, but he’s just the beginning for the 2026 class.

Wide receiver Boobie Feaster (DeSoto, TX), cornerback Elbert Hill (Akron, OH), and linebacker Talanoa Ili (Kahuku, HI) headline a stellar group, with Feaster ranked No. 4 in both the state and at his position, Hill ranked as high as No. 1 at corner, and Ili firmly the top player in Hawaii. Offensive standouts Jonas Williams (QB) from Illinois and Shahn Alston (RB) from Ohio represent key pickups from conference rival territory.

Blue-chip lineman Esun Tafu from Utah projects as a future starter inside, while four-star safety Peyton Dyer from Tennessee sits around No. 10 in his state rankings, as high as No. 9. Colorado native Breck Kolojay, another interior lineman, pairs well with Tafu and is projected as USC’s future center.

USC's 2026 class has talent and depth for days

Of the remaining thirteen commits, many come from various states, with a large share hailing from California. Four of them are from out of state, while the rest are local talent. The Trojans focused on recruiting players who fit not just their scheme and style, but also their culture. Viewing 2026 as a roster reset, they expect much of this class to be in Los Angeles for the long haul. Time will tell what Lincoln Riley does with this group, but the pieces are in place for success in 2026 and beyond.