Signing Day 2026 HQ: Who signed for USC on national signing day?

The USC Trojans began national signing day week with 34 committed prospects. By the conclusion of day one, they had signed 35 total prospects after successfully securing an elite flip from a conference rival. Entering the week ranked No. 1 in the class, the Trojans have maintained their top position as Oregon aims to challenge for the spot. USC is virtually assured a top-two class, barring any unforeseen circumstances that could impact the group.

*Team recruiting rankings aren’t finalized by recruiting services until every signing window has closed.*

ALSO READ: USC LIVE TRACKER FOR RECRUITING 2026

Top of the Class

The Trojans signed a total of 35 commits, many of whom are blue-chip prospects. Notably, four of these recruits have been recognized by at least one major recruiting service as five-star prospects. These four prospects are as follows:

• Mark Bowman, tight end from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California.

• Elbert Hill, cornerback from Akron’s Archbishop Hoban High School in Ohio.

• Luke Wafle from Middletown, attending the Hun School in New Jersey.

• Keenyi Pepe from Bradenton, Florida, attends IMG Academy.

USC secured three top-ranked prospects, each recognized as the best in their respective states: Elbert Hill from Ohio, Luke Wafle from New Jersey, and Talanoa Ili from Hawaii. All three prospects project to be impact players for the Trojans with Hill and Wafle getting early consideration for instant impact consideration.

The Elite 11

USC has assembled a larger recruiting class than many of its peers, built on a foundation of top-tier talent. The Trojans feature eleven signees ranked among the top ten nationally at their respective positions, including five in the top five of their position groups. In addition to Bowman, Hill, Wafle, and Pepe, the class includes Boobie Feaster (#4 WR), Jaimeon Winfield (#4 DL), Talanoa Ili (#6 LB), Shahn Alston (#7 RB), Jonas Williams (#9 QB), Deshonne Redeaux (#8 RB), and Josiah Jefferson, the No. 1 ranked tight end at the JUCO level.

National Brand

The Trojans made a concerted effort to secure this top class by focusing on the state of California. Overall, approximately 57% of the class hails from the state, and 63% is comprised of blue-chip prospects, defined as those with a four- or five-star rating.

USC’s recruiting success extends far beyond California. The Trojans secured talent from the north, where several rival pipelines are established, as well as from Texas and Florida, demonstrating the wide-reaching appeal of the USC brand. Notably, three of USC’s four five-star recruits hail from outside California, representing Ohio, New Jersey, and Florida. Illinois is home to Elite 11 quarterback Jonas Williams, while Ohio produced No. 1 ranked cornerback Elbert Hill and top-ten running back Shahn Alston. Additionally, the Trojans welcome prospects from Tennessee, Utah, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Colorado.

The 2026 class marks the first under Chad Bowden as General Manager, and it is evident that with him leading roster construction, the Trojans will remain significant contenders in the recruiting landscape. The team carries substantial momentum into their bowl game and beyond.