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USC Trojans Recruiting: USC in Contention for Trio of Elite Prospects

In addition to an impressive 2-0 start to the regular season, Lincoln Riley and the Trojans' staff have also had a solid stretch on the recruiting trail.

Randall Sweet

Oaks Christian's Deshonne Redeaux runs the ball against St. Bonaventure during the first quarter of their Marmonte League game at Ventura College
Oaks Christian's Deshonne Redeaux runs the ball against St. Bonaventure during the first quarter of their Marmonte League game at Ventura College / JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The USC Trojans have had a solid start to the season on the field, but have had even more success on the recruiting trail.

In September alone, Lincoln Riley and company have already landed commitments from a trio of 4-star prospects while three more recruits in the next two cycles also have their eyes on Southern Cal.

DL Richard Wesley

Sierra Canyon (CA) defensive lineman and future five-star prospect Richard Wesley is one of USC's primary targets in the 2027 recruiting class and reportedly views the Trojans as one of his top schools early in the process.

While there is still a long way to go in Wesley's recruitment, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman's relationship with USC defensive ends coach Shaun Nua has put the Trojans in a good spot.

“Coach Nua seems like a guy I can trust for anything,” Wesley told On3. “He’s great at helping people become better defensively… If I end up going there, I will perform. If I go there, coach Nua would get me in and make the best out of me. I would be the best player I can be if I go to USC.”

Former Michigan and current USC defensive line coach Shaun Nua
Former Michigan and current USC defensive line coach Shaun Nua / Junfu Han via Imagn Content Services, LLC

According to On3's report, it appears that Oregon, Georgia and Oklahoma are the Trojans' biggest competitors for the elite d-line prospect.

Anthony Davis

On Sept. 10, 4-star Grayson (GA) linebacker Anthony Davis announced his top 12 schools, with USC, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Auburn, Colorado, Clemson, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas and Oregon making the cut.

Listed at 6-2 and 200 pounds, Davis is rated the No. 92 overall prospect and No. 7 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class, according to Rivals.

The coveted defender is planning to visit Los Angeles on Oct. 12 for the Trojans' high-profile matchup against No. 8 Penn State.

USC currently boasts six commits in the upcoming cycle and holds the No. 7 recuriting class in the country, according to On3. Gainesville (GA) star Xavier Griffin committed to the Trojans in the 2026 class.

Deshonne Redeaux

Southern Cal also seems to be in a good position with 4-star Oaks Christian (CA) running back Deshonne Redeaux.

The local product was on campus for USC's massive 48-0 victory over Utah State, reportedly enjoying his visit.

USC Trojans running back Quinten Joyner
Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Quinten Joyner (0) scores a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

"Big takeaways is the way Coach Riley is consistent with scoring in the red zone and overall it shows that the offense scheme is really nice this year and the defense this year that compliments the offenses is just making USC look really good this year,” Redeaux told On3. “The running backs had over 250 yards to show they don’t only pass the ball.”

Listed at 6-feet tall and 180 pounds, Redeaux has tremendous speed, running a 10.42 in the 100-meter dash. Rated the No. 76 overall prospect and No. 8 running back in the nation, Redeaux would be a big-time addition for Riley and company in the 2026 cycle.

MORE: USC Coach Lincoln Riley: 'Spirited' Trojans Preparing for Michigan Challenge

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MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting: Massive 4-Star DL Viliami Moala Commits To 'Dream School' USC

MORE: USC Trojans Trending: 5-Star Receiver Recruit Jerome Myles Pushes up Commitment Date

MORE: USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines Official Kickoff Time and TV Broadcast Schedule

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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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