USC Trojans News: Football hosts top DE prospect, baseball drops series, more

Here is your USC Athletics news roundup for April 15, 2024.

USC football hosts top DE prospect from Texas

According to On3.com, USC hosted Houston, Texas defensive end prospect Smith Orogbo over the weekend. The class of 2025 prospect is a 4-star recruit according to 247Sports.

Orogbo is rated the No. 130 overall player and the No. 15 defensive lineman in his class according to the 247Sports composite rankings. In addition to USC, he holds offers from the likes of Arizona State, Arkansas, Florida, Miami, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Washington, and numerous others.

Currently, the USC 2025 recruiting class sits at No. 4 in the nation. Of the 12 commits already on board, three are defensive linemen including 5-star Georgia prospect Justus Terry.

USC baseball drops series at No. 18 Oregon

Also this weekend, the USC baseball team dropped two of three games at No. 18 Oregon. It began with a 4-1 loss on Friday night. After striking for a run in the top of the first, the Trojans were kept scoreless for the final eight innings. Starting pitcher Tyler Stromsborg was strong in defeat tossing 6.1 innings allowing seven hits and giving up two earned runs while striking out five and walking none.

Saturday, the Trojans dropped a 5-3 decision. After taking a 3-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning, USC allowed four runs in the bottom of the frame. That would be all of the scoring for the game.

In Sunday's finale, the Trojans responded with a 4-2 win to salvage one game in the series. Austin Overn was the star of the day with three runs scored and a brilliant play in the outfield as he robbed the Ducks of a homer in center field. He also homered himself in the fourth inning to get USC on the board for the first time.

With the win, the Trojans moved to 17-18 on the season and 10-7 in PAC-12 play. They return to action Tuesday at home against San Diego at home.

USC Football lands 2025 wide receiver

Maryland athlete Romero Ison committed to the Trojans last week. The 6-foot, 175-pounder is expected to play receiver at USC.

Rated a 3-star prospect by 247Sports.com, he is the No. 73 wide receiver in his class and the No. 12 player in Maryland. In addition to USC, he holds offers from Penn State, Pitt, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, and others.

Caleb Williams teases "1 of 1s" outfit for NFL Draft

The presumptive No. 1 overall pick in this month's NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, is already teasing big things for his draft-night look. In fact, he posted on social media that he has a "1 of 1s" look planned for his big night.

Williams apparently will be coordinating his look with his girlfriend, UNC student Valery Orellana. It should be an unforgettable night for Williams as he is expected to be taken No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bears.

Top basketball transfer considering Trojans

Merrimack sophomore guard Jordan Derkack has plans to visit four programs and USC has made that list. He will also visit Rutgers, Seton Hall, and Penn State.

This past season, Derkack averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He's a 6-foot-5 guard who would help fill out Eric Musselman's initial roster with the Trojans.