Signing Day 2026 HQ: USC sends clear message with No. 1 rated class

The USC Trojans secured all 35 signees on the first day of the early signing window, though prospects had a total of three days, from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, to finalize their decisions. Entering the signing period with the nation’s top-ranked class, a position they maintained throughout the regular season, the Trojans once again led the rankings after the first day of signings.

During the second and third days of the signing window, it became increasingly clear that USC faced unexpected competition for the top class crown. While Georgia had trailed the Trojans for most of the recruiting season, the Bulldogs’ loss of five-star quarterback Jared Curtis removed them from contention to surpass USC’s ranking.

Instead, five-star Mater Dei All-American Chris Henry Jr. reconsidered his commitment to Ohio State and gave serious thought to joining Oregon. A commitment from Henry Jr. would catapult the Ducks to the No. 1 class and drop USC to No. 2. Notably, regardless of who finished first, it would mark the first time since 2008 that a non-SEC school secured the No. 1 class, a significant statement for West Coast recruiting. Ultimately, on the third and final day of the signing window, Chris Henry Jr. signed with Ohio State, securing USC their first No. 1 finish in recruiting since 2006.

Mater Dei, the elite high school football powerhouse, played a significant role in USC's recruiting class, particularly during the signing window. While Chris Henry Jr.'s commitment to Ohio State secured the No. 1 class for the Trojans, it was also the flipped commitment of his teammate and wide receiver counterpart, Kayden Dixon Wyatt, that provided the Trojans with the necessary buffer to maintain their top position.

The elite pass catcher, a composite four-star prospect and the second-ranked receiver in California, marked the 35th and final commitment of the 2026 class. The Trojans maintained the No. 1 class for most of the year, and though their lead seemed in jeopardy for about 48 hours, they ultimately secured the top spot. Their persistence paid dividends, and for at least one season, the USC Trojans stand as recruiting champions.