Lincoln Riley gets great start to 2027 recruiting class with pledge from local WR

USC has secured its second commitment for the class of 2027, landing wide receiver Eli Woodard. Hailing from Temecula, California, Woodard reflects the confidence USC has in its chosen prospects, as the Trojans have been pursuing the 5'11", 180-pound pass catcher since the start of the new year.

Woodard is a three-star prospect according to recruiting services and ranks No. 50 in California, but his impressive offer list hints that the 1,000-yard receiver could snag a fourth star when rankings get updated later in the cycle. He’s received offers from programs like Michigan, Missouri, and Oregon, among others, with USC ultimately winning out over Oregon and Missouri in his recruitment.

In his junior season, Eli set career highs across the board, hauling in 51 passes for 1,070 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is joining a highly selective recruiting class that’s projected to finish near the top of the rankings yet again. The Trojans will continue to aggressively build their wide receiver group, which is shaping up to be one of USC’s strongest position units for years to come. Woodard’s addition will only enhance that reputation.

Chad Savage was Woodard's primary recruiter and is probably the top recruiter on the USC staff now that defensive line coach Eric Henderson has returned to the NFL to join the Washington Commanders’ coaching staff. Savage has built strong relationships, which have directly contributed to recruiting success. You could argue that the most impressive position USC has recruited over the past two years is wide receiver.