For USC, reinforcements are coming in the secondary

USC’s coaching staff has taken deliberate steps to transform the defensive secondary from a weakness into a future strength. The Trojans currently hold the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, which features five cornerback commitments, headlined by Elbert Hill, the No. 1 player in Ohio.

The urgency to improve in the secondary has been evident all season, but following the recent loss to Illinois, the concern has escalated from a quiet whisper to an unmistakable alarm. While the unit isn’t as poor as it appeared in Champaign, it remains a vulnerability. The return of Kamari Ramsey and a healthy DeCarlos Nicholson should provide a boost, but neither is a complete solution. Opponents know they can target this group, and unless the pass rush consistently disrupts opposing quarterbacks, the secondary could remain a liability for the rest of the 2025 season.

It’s likely the coaching staff recognized this issue well in advance, which helps explain the concentrated effort to load the 2026 class with defensive backs. That group includes five commitments, not counting RJ Sermons, who reclassified to 2025 and joined the roster this fall.

Help is on its way for USC

Alongside Elbert Hill, the Trojans secured Brandon Lockhart, a Los Angeles standout ranked inside the nation’s top 90 prospects and among the top 10 players in California. The class is rounded out by Peyton Dyer, a four-star cornerback from Tennessee; Joshua Holland, a Bellflower, California native; and Madden Riordan, a versatile safety out of Pasadena who plays at Sierra Canyon.

It’s clear that USC has reinforcements on the way, but patience will be required as the secondary develops. In the meantime, the Trojans will need to rely on stopgaps and adjustments to stabilize the unit. The transfer portal also remains a potential avenue, offering another opportunity for the staff to supplement the roster and accelerate the turnaround.