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USC Football Recruiting: Trojans to Host Three High-Profile Recruits Sunday vs. LSU

The USC Trojans are hitting the recruiting trail hard in their game vs. the LSU Tigers on Sunday in las Vegas. USC will host a trio a coveted prospects.

Randall Sweet

St. Bonaventure's Dylan Dunst tackles Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons
St. Bonaventure's Dylan Dunst tackles Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons / JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK
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On Sunday, No. 23 USC will take on No. 13 LSU in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Despite playing in a neutral site away from home, the Trojans are slated to have three big-time prospects in attendance for their showdown against the Tigers, according to a report from On3’s Steve Wiltfong.

A win for USC Coach Lincoln Riley and company would go a long way to aid the coaching staff’s recruiting efforts, especially in a standalone, nationally televised event.

Here are the three high-profile recruits who plan to be in Las Vegas, NV, for USC’s contest on Sunday.

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day
Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Madden Faraimo

Junipero Serra (CA) standout and 4-star linebacker Madden Faraimo is one of the top uncommitted 2025 prospects in the country and is set to be in Las Vegas on Sunday evening. 

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Faraimo is the No. 56 overall prospect and No. 5 linebacker in the nation, according to Rivals.

The rising senior prospect would be a great addition for D’Anton Lynn and company in the 2025 recruiting class next to fellow 4-star linebacker, USC commit and Buford (GA) standout Jadon Perlotte, who announced his commitment to the Trojans in July.

Notre Dame seems to be the leader in Faraimo’s recruitment, but USC could make up some ground this weekend.

St. Bonaventure's Dylan Dunst tackles Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons during the fourth quarter of the CIF-State Division 1-A
St. Bonaventure's Dylan Dunst tackles Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons during the fourth quarter of the CIF-State Division 1-A state championship bowl at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. St. Bonaventure lost 20-14. / JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ryder Lyons

Folsom (CA) 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons will also be in attendance on Sunday night for the Trojan’s matchup with the Bayou Bengals. 

A 6-3, 215-pound rising junior, Lyons is rated the No. 4 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, according to Rivals.

As a sophomore in 2023, the elite signal caller racked up 3,600 yards through the air, 950 yards on the ground and 61 total touchdowns en route to leading his high school team to a state title.

“Lyons is on the short list when talking about the top overall signal caller in the 2026 class,” 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Greg Biggins wrote. “He's coming off a huge sophomore season where he showed off his rare ability as a thrower and runner and accounted for 61 all-purpose touchdowns. At the SoCal Elite 11 Camp (3/17/24), he showed off one of the quickest releases in the camp, the ability to make throws from in and out of the pocket and was accurate to all three levels of the field. His 36-inch vertical jump was second highest in the camp and he combines rare physical tools with an advanced feel for the position as well.”

With Riley’s history of developing NFL-level quarterbacks, USC seems to be the frontrunner in Lyons’ recruitment and could separate from the pack with a big win on Sunday.

Jahkeem Stewart

On3’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle, Jahkeem Stewart, will also be in Las Vegas on Sunday. 

Hailing from Reserve, LA, Stewart is a monster defensive lineman, listed at 6-6 and 280 pounds. 

While LSU is believed to be the favorite for the rising junior, a USC victory on Sunday could help the Trojans get back into the race.

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Randall Sweet
RANDALL SWEET

Randall Sweet is a Staff Writer for Sports Illustrated covering the Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, USC Trojans, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Randall has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports across the country as a credentialed media member. While in college, Randall wrote for the OU Daily and logged bylines in The Norman Transcript in addition to working with Sooner Sports Pad and OU Nightly. Following his time at OU, Randall served as the Communications Coordinator at Visit Oklahoma City before leaving to join the team at Sports Illustrated.

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