USC football working to flip 4-star Florida commit who will visit for the UCLA game

Even with the USC Trojans still focused on finishing out the football season strong, the program hasn’t slowed down one bit on the recruiting trail. The staff has stayed aggressive, working hard to build for the future while chasing success in the present.

The Trojans currently sit atop the 2026 recruiting rankings, boasting a class loaded with blue-chip talent. Still, it looks like USC isn’t done adding elite defensive pieces just yet. One name to keep an eye on is Kevin “KJ” Ford, a highly sought-after defensive end who’s been a top USC target throughout his recruitment. Ford was once considered a strong candidate to join the Trojans, but after USC landed fellow defensive lineman Luke Wafle, Ford seemed to shift his focus toward the Florida Gators.

4-star Florida commit KJ Ford will visit USC for the UCLA game

The 6-4, 250-pound defensive end is a Top 100 prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and ranks among the Top 15 players at his position nationally. While Ford is currently committed to Florida, USC quickly secured a highly anticipated official visit from the elite prospect after Florida head coach Billy Napier was fired.

It’s worth noting, however, that Ford has not decommitted following Napier’s departure and remains a member of the Gators’ 2026 recruiting class. USC fans have grown accustomed to the Trojans’ aggressive approach on the recruiting trail this cycle, and that trend continues with Ford.

USC is set to host the Duncanville, Texas native for the final week of the regular season, a home matchup against rival UCLA. The Battle for the Victory Bell promises to be an exciting showcase for Ford, and if USC comes away with a win, the Trojans could very well secure the commitment of the four-star defensive end, a move that would all but lock in the top recruiting class in 2026.