USC push to secure class of 2027 members is a move that will pay dividends

Some may view the USC efforts to recruit so far ahead as a waste. After all, a commitment only means so much before another school comes in and starts speaking in the ear of an athlete. That aspect is a valid point to consider. It is not, however, as relevant for the Trojans.

The reason is not that other programs aren't still trying to negatively recruit against the USC commits. Of course, others are always going to try to pry away top athletes who are not committed to their program.

With GM Chad Bowden and coach Lincoln Riley, however, there is a stronger emphasis when it comes to recruiting. The staff is doing the homework earlier and putting in the needed legwork to show potential future Trojans that coming to USC will mean an experience that others in college football cannot compete with.

More importantly, their level of commitment, getting to know the player and family, and routinely making sure that they feel connected with the program is why a lot of the efforts from other schools will ultimately be in vain.

USC currently has the top class of 2027. If others happen to leapfrog the Trojans later on, so be it. The aspect that matters the most is that this staff has the commitment of those that they want. Even if there is a rankings update that affects a player one way or another, there is not a need for a last-second scramble or to question who to go after next, or anything of that nature.

Taking an honest assessment of USC recruiting

Certainly, it would be silly to believe that none of the current commits will end up going somewhere else. The drop-off will be far less than what the most pessimistic voices are claiming. Recruiting, like in a game itself, can often be about momentum.

There is currently a ton of it on the side of the Trojans. With the current staff, as long as USC does what it needs to on the field, there is not too much suggesting that it will be slowing down any time soon either.