Offer from On3's Josh Pate illustrates overall point regarding USC recruiting

Maybe other programs or past years would be wary of recruiting high schoolers a year or two out. USC is not, however. Nor should they be. Currently with the top class for 2026 and 2027, naysayers believe that the commitments so far out are essentially meaningless.

That couldn't be further from the truth for a program and recruiting effort that is spearheaded by coach Lincoln Riley and GM Chad Bowden.

Naturally there is something of a risk when looking for a commitment in advance. That isn't any more or less true compared to anyone currently on the roster. The difference is, of course, that more time can afford the opportunity for someone to be potentially enticed by an offer from another program.

There is a more positive way to look at it, though. More time also allows for the staff to build that much stronger of a relationship with the future Trojans.

What the USC coaches are counting on is that they have offered the right type of people and invested their time in those they have a good read on. Consequently, continuing to forge the connections and demonstrating how much they are willing to invest in the commits will only enhance the desire to one day wear the Cardinal and Gold on game day.

There will be some who end up opting out of their current commitment and will look elsewhere. That's part of the nature of the current landscape of the sport.

If the latest events surrounding Xavier Griffins aren't evidence enough, USC takes the commitments seriously, and they have recruited players, particularly from the local talent pool, who are truly excited about becoming Trojans.

Adding perspective to USC recruiting classes

For anyone who doubts the ability of this staff and expects to see a mass exodus, On3's Josh Pate has an offer for you.

Every commit who decommits will equate to a $1,000 cash day. On the other hand, for everyone who keeps their commitment and ends up signing, you'll just have to fork over a grand yourself.

When put like that, it is hard to view the current recruiting efforts as anything other than a success. Going by this new-found Pate model, USC will be healthy on the plus side for those who would hypothetically take the media person up on his offer.

There could be something like a staff overhaul that ends up giving what so many are apparently waiting for. Assuming everything stays the course and the 2025 season is hovering around nine-plus wins, however, the commitments and future of USC have an excellent outlook.