USC Signing Day superlatives: Bowman rises to the top of the nation's best class

The USC Trojans have finalized the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class for 2026, driven in large part by their success in securing elite offensive talent. Of the 35 signees in the class, 18 are standout players on the offensive side of the ball.

Top of the Class

The standout offensive commits are tight end Mark Bowman and offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, both rated as five-star talents by recruiting services. Each possesses the potential to start from day one, with Bowman having the capability to serve as a focal point for the offense as early as last season.

Best Position Group

While it might be easy to identify the wide receiver group as the top offensive position in the class, the running back unit may actually be the strongest. The Trojans secured two elite prospects at the position in Shahn Alston and Deshonne Redeaux. Redeaux, a Los Angeles native, is ranked No. 8 nationally at his position and rushed for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior year. Alston, an Ohio native ranked No. 7 nationally, had an even more impressive season with over 1,500 rushing yards and an outstanding 29 rushing touchdowns. With Alston and Redeaux joining King Miller and Waymond Jordan in 2026, the Trojans could boast one of the most formidable running back groups in the conference.

Most Impactful Signings

The offensive line is an obvious choice for recognition, as USC secured its first five-star offensive tackle since 2017. The addition of Pepe carries significant weight in evaluating this group’s signings. The 6'7", 325-pound lineman is expected to grow even bigger and stronger, serving as an ideal cornerstone for a Trojan team intent on enhancing its physicality in the Big Ten. Complementing him is four-star offensive tackle Vlad Dyakonov from Folsom, California, who offers considerable upside and appears well-suited for a right tackle role.

USC also added Breck Kolojay, a four-star interior offensive lineman from Denver, projected to receive early opportunities at center, along with John Fifita, a massive 350-pound presence. Success in the Big Ten is determined in the trenches, and USC demonstrated that last season en route to a 9-3 record.

This recruiting class lays a strong foundation for dominance along the offensive front while promising early returns on these strategic investments. Kannon Smith and Chase Deniz both provide depth to the class with good technique and skill that can play their way into a pivotal role for USC.

Most Electrifying

If this past season has taught us anything, it is that Lincoln Riley does not rely solely on passing in his offense. Interestingly, this season could also see a Trojan receiver, Makai Lemon, win the Biletnikoff Award. The most dynamic position group will be bolstered as quarterback Jonas Williams joins the wide receivers.

Overall, USC signed six receivers in this class, four of them four-star prospects and the remaining two ranked in the top 100 at their position. The most notable name is DeSoto, TX signee Boobie Feaster, the highest-ranked player in the group, who recorded over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior season.

Joining Feaster are Kayden Dixon Wyatt, Trent Mosley, Luc Weaver, Roderick Tezeno, and Tron Baker. Four signees rank in the top 50 at their position, and JUCO tight end Josiah Jefferson holds the No. 1 spot among JUCO rankings.

Jonas Williams is poised to be the future signal-caller for this elite group, possessing all the talent necessary to excel in the role. The Elite 11 quarterback was the youngest competitor at the finals of the prestigious passing competition last season and earned the title of Illinois State Player of the Year. Williams threw for just under 3,000 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, breaking the Illinois state record for most career passing yards his senior season. His 147-career touchdown passes also set a new state record.