USC critics use 'average rating' to cast doubt over Trojan recruiting efforts

No matter how one slices it, USC has two outstanding recruiting classes coming. Yes, it is understood that a lot of outside voices believe the Trojan classes will eventually collapse and that there will be a slew of decommitments. Those are the opinions of people who are unfamiliar with how the current staff is approaching the entirety of its operations throughout the building.

The latest criticism that has now come under fire is that the USC classes are only as high as they are in the standings due to quantity. In other words, critics are using the average rating metric to dismiss the Trojan prospects who have committed.

Depending on the service, this even resulted in Texas A&M and Notre Dame being viewed overall as better in this regard than USC.

Forget that it is silly to get too worked up over the difference in average between less than two points. If a program, for example, has an average incoming class rating of 98.5 versus 97.3, it is safe to say that in both instances, each team has a lot of highly touted talent coming in.

For GM Chad Bowden and coach Lincoln Riley, there is less concern about which rating system players rank which players the highest on their respective lists. Instead, they have secured and continue to foster the relationship with those who they feel will be able to help the program and who are the right fit.

USC believes in the players that are commited to the program

A lot can change. For the class of 2026, there is an entire senior season of high school ball to go through. Someone could easily further distinguish themselves or have a bad stretch of games and see their numbers take a hit.

Regardless of where the ratings lords end up casting down their judgment, USC knows who is coming to campus and what the Trojan commit's strengths and weaknesses are. The other factors will fall as they may.