USC is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, thanks to Coach Lincoln Riley’s remarkable efforts in reeling in new talent this offseason—steering clear of major changes among top 2026 prospects, yet still making waves. With Chad Bowden taking charge as the general manager of the recruiting department, there’s a palpable shift in how elite local talents perceive USC, sparking renewed interest and excitement about potentially donning the Trojans’ colors.
These days, USC boasts a front-office vibe that exudes both quantity and quality, potentially elevating the Trojans back to the top echelons of college football. The buzz around USC being in the playoff mix feels almost like part of the program’s natural legacy.
Chad Bowden recently spoke with Rivals, sharing insights into his ambitious vision for the program. He and Riley share a unified approach, strategically outlining what steps are necessary to steer USC back into the national title conversation.
While the transfer portal remains a valuable resource for strategic additions, the backbone of recruiting lies in high schools. USC is lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the best high school football talents in the country, just waiting to be tapped into.
“The culture and core foundation have to emerge from high school recruiting because we get the chance to shape these young athletes over four or five years,” Bowden explains. “The focus stays there—while we’ll still venture into the portal, it’s about forming a team and culture around the high school stars who truly value what a USC degree can offer. These young talents, drawn to the school for all the right reasons, will be the bedrock of our cultural revival.”
And this focus is already paying off. USC leads the pack for the 2026 recruiting class with 20 promising commitments, setting a standard that few others are matching in terms of both numbers and talent quality. Just this past Saturday, the Trojans secured a commitment from Deshonne Redeaux, a standout four-star running back from Westlake Village’s Oaks Christian.
Another significant and perhaps understated development is the renewed interaction with influential local coaches. For instance, Jason Negro from St. John Bosco and his staff were present during a USC spring practice session, a sight that’s been rare in recent years due to previous disconnects between USC and elite local programs.
A strategic invite to Santa Ana Mater Dei Coach Raul Lara and his assistants could pave the way for increased collaboration. The teams within the Trinity League are renowned on a national level, and fostering these local ties is a step in the right direction, though there’s still ample work ahead.
In Riley’s three seasons, USC has fluctuated from an 11-3 record, dropping to 8-5, then to 7-6. The program has seen its fair share of highs and lows—firing Lane Kiffin mid-flight at LAX, keeping Clay Helton longer than some felt prudent simply due to his amiable nature.
Meanwhile, other powerhouses are making moves. Alabama swooped in last year, securing California’s top two talents, while Oregon, Georgia, and Texas have also made significant inroads, peeling away top prospects from under USC’s nose.
However, 2026 looks promising for the Trojans. They’ve already flipped Jonas Williams, a high four-star quarterback, and Tomuhini Topui, a four-star defensive tackle, from Oregon. Attracting high-caliber local talents and reigniting interest among others like five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, despite the tough competition, is evidence of the growing momentum.
As Bowden observes, the heart of any team is its recruitment strategy, and USC’s renewed energy in this avenue could swiftly translate to on-field success.
“Our mission is to inspire the finest talents in Los Angeles and beyond to stay local and commit to USC,” Bowden asserts. “California harbors some of the country’s premier high school players, from Los Angeles to San Diego and Oakland. Keeping them close, surrounding our area with talented fences, will yield substantial benefits.”
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