California high school football recruiting notebook: DeAndre Carter firms up commitment; USC adds for 2026

USC now has the nation's top recruiting class in 2026

DeAndre Carter reaffirms commitment

Mater Dei's DeAndre Carter, a three-year starting offensive lineman and four-star recruit for the Monarchs, reaffirmed his commitment to Auburn on Tuesday.

Carter committed to Auburn in September after picking up nearly 30 scholarship offers during his recruitment. He didn't completely shut down his recruitment however, taking an official visit to Texas at the end of September. When Carter and the Monarchs took on St. John Bosco in October, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood were on the sidelines to see Carter as well as Texas commit Brandon Baker.

Carter's comments on Tuesday indicate that he is all in with the Tigers as well as his plans to visit Auburn for their game against Alabama at the end of November.

• Read more about Carter's announcement here

Madden Riordan picks USC

For the second straight week, USC has added a commitment from a top sophomore defensive back in California. Last week it was Loyola standout Brandon Lockhart. This time around it was Sierra Canyon's Madden Riordan.

In 10 regular season games as a sophomore, Riordan had 25 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. The unbeaten Trailblazers will get their playoff run started against Santa Margarita on Friday night.

• Read more about Riordan's commitment here

Top recruits witness big wins

Mission Viejo defensive back Dijon Lee and Bonita linebacker Noah Mikhail are two of California's best recruits in the class of 2025. After each helped their teams to playoff wins last Friday, they were each able to hit the road for gameday visits.

Mikhail had 15 tackles and a rushing touchdown in a 21-20 win over Northview before heading to see Alabama take down LSU. With offers from more than 30 schools, Mikhail has been amongst California's most productive players this season. He's totaled 158 tackles, two interceptions, a sack in addition to 776 total yards and 12 touchdowns.

Lee had two touchdown receptions and a pass breakup to help the Diablos beat Palos Verdes 59-35 on Friday. He then proceeded to head to Arizona where he was a witness to the Wildcats taking down UCLA 27-10.

Recent commitments in California

Kyle Parker, 2024 DB, Millikan: Utah Tech

Trey Coleman, 2024 K, Del Norte: Utah

Kodi Cornelious, 2024 DL, Casa Grande: San Diego State

Theo Thompson, 2024 WR/DB, Upland: Portland State

Kyon Loud, 2024 WR/DB, Serra San Mateo: Montana

Madden Riordan, 2026 DB, Sierra Canyon: USC

New offers in California

Broderick Redden, 2024 TE, San Clemente: Princeton, Yale, Bryant, Georgetown

Brody Guinn, 2024 WR, Vista Murrieta: Princeton

Mason York, 2024 WR, Edison: Weber State

Ryon Sayeri, 2024 K, Chaminade: USC

Elyjah Gordon, 2024 DB, Rancho Cucamonga: UAB

Tavian McNair, 2025 WR, Corona Centennial: Fresno State

Karson Cox, 2025 RB, Oak Hills: Missouri

John Mills, 2025 OL, St. Ignatius Prep: Tennessee, Vanderbilt

Robert McDaniel, 2025 QB, Hughson: Georgia Southern, Temple

Kameron Brown, 2025 DL, Norco: San Diego State

Jonah Smith, 2026 WR, Mater Dei: Tennessee

Timmy Herr, 2026 QB, San Juan Hills: Western Michigan

Parris Vernon, 2026 WR/DB, Mount Miguel: San Jose State

Chase Cahoon, 2026 LB, Saint Francis: San Jose State

Hakim Frampton, 2027 WR/DB, Buena Park: Arizona

(Feature photo by Heston Quan)

-- Bodie De Silva | bodie@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveca