SEC territory is far from off-limits for USC in recruiting following latest success

There has been heavy interest from high school players who played their games in SEC territory who either highly considered USC or ended up outright becoming Trojans. To name a couple of examples, Gus Cordova lives in Texas when he isn't on the L.A. campus, and Peyton Dyer resides in Georgia.

Conventional wisdom dictates that a player will be interested in a program that offers at least some games within their own backyard. After all, playing at the collegiate level and being able to give something of a tribute to those who have helped the player achieve their levels of success present is understandably a major consideration point for many recruits during the process.

As is the case in many aspects, however, there is far from a one-size-fits-all approach that can even attempt to explain the various factors for a player when evaluating all options.

For some it may be something of a shock. In reality, it truly shows that it is more than just words and wishful thinking in regard to the increased effort of USC throughout its program.

Due to USC's recruiting approach and how this staff is able to make the case of how players will be able to fit in the system and develop, it is fair to note the legitimate national approach on this front that is possible.

Expanding recruiting map for USC

Securing the best from SoCal will always take priority. Increasingly, USC can go toe-to-toe in SEC territory and pick off players that are coveted by those respective programs. It should also come as a great sign that the Trojans are recruiting in Texas and Georgia and coming away with their target players.

Although it has been a great start so far, when assessing the outlook of the 2026 and 2027 classes, it could only be an early glimpse of even more to come.