USC Trojans Hosting Impressive Group Of Top Recruits For Penn State Nittany Lions Game

The USC Trojans will host a group of elite recruits as they face the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions on Oct. 12. Here is a look at the recruits set to visit USC over the weekend.

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) drops back to pass against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

On Oct. 12, the unranked USC Trojans will face the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions. The game will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans will be hosting numerous elite recruits. This will be a big game for the 3-2 Trojans to get back on track after losing to Minnesota last Saturday.

Whether a recruit has committed to the school or not, it is important to make sure teams keep players interested. Even if the players have committed, there is always a chance that another school can come in and flip their decision.

Julian Lewis - Quarterback

Four-star quarterback commit Julian Lewis will be in attendance for the USC game. The class of 2025 quarterback is committed to USC, though other schools, such as Auburn, have been attempting to force him to flip. USC will need to take advantage of Lewis being there and keep him excited for the future of the Trojans.

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) drops back to pass against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Matai Tagoa’I - Linebacker

Four-star Linebacker Matai Tagoa’i will be attending the game this weekend. Tagoa’I committed to USC in April 2024 and is a part of the class of 2025. He is an athletic and explosive defender. Although he is committed to USC, the Washington Huskies are still interested in him.

Elijah Vaikona – Offensive Tackle

Another class of 2025 committed player is offensive tackle Elijah Vaikona. Vaikona committed to USC in July as a three-star player. The lineman is big, physical, and does well protecting the quarterback. USC needs improvement with the offensive line, and Vaikona can be just what they need.

Tyriq Green – Athlete

There will be numerous recruits from the class of 2026 attending the game. Three-star recruit Tyriq Green announced on social media he will be attending the USC game in week seven. Green is a versatile athlete who can be a threat in the return game. 

Tyler Atkinson - Linebacker

A big recruit visiting USC is five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson. Atkinson is a top 10 recruit in the 2026 class. He recently decided to visit after having a call with USC coach Lincoln Riley and linebackers coach Matt Entz. Atkinson values college visits. It will be important for USC to make the visit worth it.

“I get to spend time with the coaches and get to know the people at each school better. I get a feel for the environment too and I learn more about the school,” Atkinson told On3.

Anthony Davis - Linebacker

Also in the class of 2026 is linebacker Anthony Davis. Both Davis and Atkinson play high school football for Grayson (Ga.) and are set to visit USC this weekend. USC is one of his top four schools. Auburn and Oregon are also pushing for Davis. Similar to other players, Penn State has also offered Davis. On3’s prediction believes USC has a higher chance than Penn State, though it does make the matchup more interesting for Davis.

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Southern California Trojans SC logo at midfield is seen before a game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Shamar Arnoux – Defensive Back

Class of 2026, three-star defensive back Shamar Arnoux will attend the USC game. Arnoux committed to USC on June 26. The Tennessee Volunteers, the Auburn Tigers, and the Georgia Bulldogs have also given Arnoux an offer. While he is committed to USC, On3 gives Tennessee a 47.6% chance to flip Arnoux.

Carter Emanuel - Quarterback

Continuing with the class of 2026, quarterback Carter Emanuel shared on social media that he will be at the USC game versus Penn State. Emanuel is a three-star quarterback who received offers from numerous schools, such as UCF and USF. According to On3, he has not received an offer from USC, but that could change if the visit goes well.

Nassir McCoy – Defensive Back

Class of 2026 defensive back Nassir McCoy is headed to the USC game. He is a three-star player who received an offer from USC in September. McCoy has also received an offer from the Penn State Nittany Lions. Although he is predicted by On3 to commit to the Georgia Bulldogs, as a Georgia native, USC could sway the defensive back.

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Class of 2027 and 2028

There are also three classes of 2027 players set to visit this weekend and one class of 2028. The players from the class of 2027 attending are defensive lineman George Toia, quarterback Brady Edmunds, and defensive back Censere Gaylord. As for the class of 2028, IMG quarterback Jayden Wade announced he would be attending the USC game.

It is safe to say the USC Trojans will be looking to impress several players as they face the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions. The energy will be high during the kickoff. The Trojans are 1-2 in Big Ten conference play. A big win, taking down the No. 4 team will be a big way to sway these recruits.

MORE: How to Watch USC Trojans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions: Preview, Prediction, Channel

MORE: USC Trojans' Jaylin Smith Reveals Strategy for Defending Penn State's Drew Allar

MORE: [EXCLUSIVE] USC Trojans' Juju Watkins Signs NIL Deal With Gatorade: 'Surreal Dream'

MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting: 4-Star Julian Lewis Headlines Visitors List vs. Penn State

MORE: Minnesota Vikings' Sam Darnold To Lead USC Trojans Out of Tunnel vs. Penn State

MORE: USC Trojans Injury Update vs. Penn State: Lake McRee, Eric Gentry, Anthony Lucas