All Trojans

Why 4-Star Cornerback Recruit RJ Sermons Committed to USC Trojans Over Alabama, Oregon

The USC Trojans landed a commitment from elite in-state cornerback RJ Sermons over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies. His father, Rodney Sermons, played at USC from 1994-97. Sermons is the No. 2 rated cornerback in the On3 Industry Rankings.

Kendell Hollowell

Rancho Cucamonga (CA) cornerback Rodney (RJ) Sermons / Instagram / @rjserms
Rancho Cucamonga (CA) cornerback Rodney (RJ) Sermons / Instagram / @rjserms / @rjserms
In this story:

Rancho Cucamonga (CA) 2026 four-star cornerback RJ Sermons announced his commitment to the USC Trojans on Friday, Dec. 13. Sermons had released his top five earlier in the week that included Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and Washington.

The local product is rated as the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 32 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. Trojans defensive backs coach Doug Belk remains hot on the recruiting trail as USC landed a commitment from former UCF cornerback Chasen Johnson on Thursday night.

"Coach (Doug) Belk, I really like him," Sermons told On3. "He has a great track record of previous greatness. And he's a great person. Him and my dad go back a little bit. He's just cool it feels like family at USC."

Sermons father, Rodney, played running back for USC from 1994-97. The younger Sermons has been a frequent visitor on the Trojans campus this past year, taking multiple visits in the spring and summer. He was also in attendance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to watch USC play Wisconsin on Sep. 28, Penn State on Oct. 12, Nebraska on Nov. 16 and Notre Dame on Nov. 30.

“Every time I go to USC, it’s always a great time. Me and my dad (Rodney Sermons) always like it, so I’ll be back as many times as possible,” Sermons told On3. “I love the environment and everything about it is great. I’ve been around LA since I was little, and the football is great. There’s a lot of places that try to be like it, but I feel like there’s no place like LA.”

MORE: USC Trojans Predicted To Land Elite Running Back Shahn Alston Over Penn State?

MORE: USC Trojans Football Schedule: Grueling Road Opponents, Intriguing Home Slate In 2025

MORE: USC Trojans' Duce Robinson Enters Transfer Portal: Georgia Bulldogs, SEC Destination?

Playing his high school football, less 50 miles from USC's campus, former Trojan players have preached the importance of winning recruiting battles for elite prospects in Southern California. USC has struggled to keep elite programs like Oregon, Alabama and Georgia from taking blue-chip prospects right in their own backyard.

Rancho Cucamonga (CA) cornerback Rodney (RJ) Sermons
Rancho Cucamonga (CA) cornerback Rodney (RJ) Sermons / Instagram / @rjserms / @rjserms

Former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez was on the FS1’s “The Herd” this week and talked about the important of recruiting Southern California.

“If you’re going to be a powerhouse in Southern California, you have to own California when it comes to recruiting,” Sanchez said.

USC currently have the No. 2 ranked class for the 2026 cycle, per the On3 Industry Rankings. With the addition of Sermons, the Trojans are up to seven commitments: four-star Gainesville (GA) linebacker Xavier Griffin, four-star Loyola (CA) cornerback Brandon Lockhart, four-star Mount Carmel (IL) defensive lineman Braedon Jones, three-star Los Alamitos (CA) receiver Ja’Myron Baker, three-star St. John Bosco (CA) athlete Joshua Holland and three-star Sierra Canyon athlete Madden Riordan. 

USC has finished inside the top 10 for recruiting rankings just once under coach Lincoln Riley when they finished No. 9 in 2023.

MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Miller Moss Transfer Portal Destinations Missouri, Louisville

MORE: USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley Addresses Concerning Transfer Portal Departures

MORE: Texas A&M's Kevin Longstreet Transfer To USC Trojans To Join Quarterback, Brother Husan?

Published
Kendell Hollowell
KENDELL HOLLOWELL

Kendell Hollowell, a Southern California native has been been covering collegiate athletics since 2020 via radio and digital journalism. His experience includes covering programs such as the USC Trojans, Vanderbilt Commodores and Alabama Crimson Tide. Kendell He also works in TV production for the NFL Network. Prior to working in sports journalism, Kendell was a collegiate athlete on the University of Wyoming and Adams State football team. He is committed to bringing in-depth insight and analysis for USC athletics.

Home/Football