Top national Mater Dei roster highlights importance for USC recruiting efforts

Seeing the best SoCal talent stay out west and play for USC is a welcomed return to the norm. Historically, the best Trojan teams did well in recruiting locally and making the Cardinal and Gold the unquestioned number one choice for recruits to want to play for. While more recent Trojan teams have seen a departure from the staple of local top talent, this aspect is once again returning to the program.

In a post shared by Rivals High School on X, the amount of impressive talent at Mater Dei shows just why it is so important for USC to have and maintain a good relationship with the local high school.

With no less than eight four-star or better players on the team, Mater Dei, as they typically do, proves to be one of the single best spots for future collegiate talent to be found. As can be seen in the graphic. The Trojans have secured the commitment of three of the highly rated Monarchs.

Mark Bowman, Tomuhini Topui, and Shaun Scott are part of the class of 2026 for the Trojans. In the case of each announcement, USC fans showed their excitement when the high schoolers made their decision public to join coach Lincoln Riley. Already knowing and watching the players develop their already impressive skill set is something that helps to generate that much anticipation for the eventual arrival of the trio as student-athletes to Troy.

Needed renewed emphasis for USC

When looking at Mater Dei and other programs in the Trinity League, the level of play and annual ability to produce college-ready prospects makes it only that much more important for colleges that are serious about winning to attempt to gain a foothold in SoCal.

Particularly since the arrival of GM Chad Bowden, the local recruiting efforts have intensified. This is an effort that will continue to pay dividends for USC.