Following the commitment of four-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, the USC Trojans have begun reshaping thier recruiting board in the secondary, according to On3’s Scott Schrader.
Dyer, a standout from Lewisville (TX), announced his commitment on Tuesday, giving the Trojans a versatile and physical presence in the back end of their defense. With Dyer now in the fold, Schrader reports that USC will no longer actively pursue two previously targeted local defensive backs: Davon Benjamin and Brandon Arrington.
Both Benjamin and Arrington are well-regarded Southern California prospects, and USC had been involved in their recruitment early. However, the addition of Dyer appears to signal a narrowing of the Trojans’ priorities in the secondary, possibly indicating that the coaching staff feels secure in its depth and fit with the Texas product.
Jett Washington Remains In USC Trojans’ Sights
This shift underscores a strategic recalibration under defensive backs coach Doug Belk, who is expected to continue pursuing other top-tier targets with higher upside or positional flexibility. One name that remains firmly on the Trojans’ board is Jett Washington, the dynamic safety from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas (NV). Washington, one of the top defensive backs out west, continues to draw significant interest from USC, and Belk is expected to remain heavily involved in his recruitment moving forward.
For USC, this is not an unusual approach. Recruiting boards are fluid, and commitments often trigger realignment across multiple positions. In Dyer’s case, his commitment gives the Trojans a potential plug-and-play athlete who could thrive in multiple roles within the defensive scheme. As such, USC appears content to move forward without pushing for Benjamin or Arrington, allowing those players to explore other opportunities while the Trojans double down on top national targets.
With Dyer locked in and Washington still in the mix, USC’s secondary class is beginning to take shape—one that prioritizes fit, versatility, and high-end potential in a room that continues to evolve under Belk’s direction.