There’s a lot of debate about star ratings and whether it’s worth pursuing prospects without a four or five next to their name. The truth? Three-star recruits are essential in college football. In today’s game, especially in the NIL era. Stockpiling talent is key to building and sustaining a program's success. Talent is everywhere. Sure, being a 'blue-chip' prospect (four or five stars) carries weight, but a recruit’s offer list often tells you more than their star rating ever could.
For USC, that philosophy applies perfectly to three-star interior offensive line prospect Breck Kolojay. The IMG Academy product, originally from Colorado, is the second offensive lineman from IMG that the Trojans are targeting in the 2026 class, joining top commit and five-star OT Keenyi Pepe. Kolojay is rated a three-star on 247Sports, but his composite rating elevates him to a four-star with a 90 overall score.
And it’s easy to see why. At 6’6” and 320 pounds, Kolojay is a massive presence in the trenches with a clear knack for moving bodies and creating space. His size and power make him a valuable target for USC as they look to continue stacking talent along the offensive line.
Importance of USC landing Breck Kolojay
USC isn’t the only program that recognizes Breck Kolojay’s talent. The interior offensive lineman has racked up an eye-popping 38 scholarship offers, with nearly every major program from the Big Ten and SEC in the mix. Currently, Georgia holds the lone 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction for Kolojay, but USC remains firmly in contention.
So while blue-chip prospects grab the headlines and fire up fanbases, it might be a three-star interior offensive lineman who ultimately determines which program finishes with the No. 1 recruiting class in 2026. Breck Kolojay’s recruitment is shaping up to be a pivotal one, with USC, Georgia, Tennessee, Miami, and Ohio State all battling for his commitment. Wherever he lands, his decision could tip the balance in a fierce national recruiting race.