The USC Trojans made headlines with the recent commitment of four-star EDGE Luke Wafle, one of the top defenders in the 2026 class. But while his pledge strengthens the Trojans’ defensive front, it came at a recruiting cost.
Texas EDGE KJ Ford, ranked No. 15 nationally at his position by 247Sports, has canceled his official visit to USC and instead traveled to Columbus for a visit with Ohio State. The move was first reported by On3’s Hayes Fawcett and signals a shifting recruitment landscape for both programs.
USC Trojans Lose EDGE Target KJ Ford to Ohio State Visit After Luke Wafle Commitment
Ford had USC in his top 12 and was scheduled to be in Los Angeles this weekend. However, Wafle’s commitment appears to have closed the door for another EDGE signing, prompting Ford to look elsewhere.
USC’s NIL package was reportedly a key factor in landing Wafle over OSU and Penn State. But that same decision may have cost the Trojans a shot at Ford—who recorded 57 tackles, 16 TFLs, and seven sacks last season at Duncanville (TX).
Ohio State, which recently landed four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson, acted quickly. Hosting Ford this weekend offers the Buckeyes a chance to rebound after missing on Wafle and adds another layer to their recruiting rivalry with USC.
The USC Trojans are still in strong shape defensively, but Ford’s pivot underscores how one commitment can reshape an entire recruiting board. USC now turns its attention to filling other needs, while Ford closes in on a decision after visits to Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M, and now the Buckeyes.
For Lincoln Riley’s Trojans, the loss of Ford may not sting immediately—but it highlights how tight the margin for error is when recruiting elite talent.