Recent predictions bring good news for Lincoln Riley and USC in pursuit of elite DB target

USC is making it clear that the best talent in Southern California stays home. Industry experts have begun logging predictions for La Verne native Gavin Williams to join the Trojans, rewarding the coaching staff's relentless and high-profile recruitment of the top-tier safety.

Ranked as the No. 9 safety in the nation and the No. 13 overall prospect in California, Williams is a cornerstone target for the Trojans’ 2027 efforts. Landing the elite defender would further solidify USC’s recruiting stranglehold on the Golden State which has been a dominant trend dating back to the 2026 class.

Currently sitting at No. 129 nationally, Williams is firmly ranked as a top-150 talent. For those wondering just how high a priority he is for Lincoln Riley and his staff, look no further than their recent travel itinerary which featured the Trojans opting for a helicopter to visit the La Verne standout, proving they are willing to take their recruiting efforts to new heights to keep local stars at home.

While nothing is set in stone until Williams puts pen to paper at the end of the cycle, USC currently holds a distinct advantage over several in-state and regional rivals. However, the race is far from a formality as Notre Dame has emerged as the primary threat to steal the elite safety away from the West Coast.

USC currently owns the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation for 2027, a mark that leads the Big Ten. However, the race for conference supremacy remains tight, with Ohio State (No. 5) and Oregon (No. 7) trailing closely behind in the national rankings.

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