Updated: April 20, 2026
The USC Trojans are off to a fast start in the 2027 recruiting cycle under head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden. With 11 commitments already secured — including the class’s first five-star in explosive athlete Honor Fa’alave-Johnson — the Trojans are building a high-quality, selective group focused on elite skill talent and in-state dominance.
While the 2027 class is projected to be smaller than the massive 2026 haul (targeting around 15–20 total signees), the early talent level is elite.
Bookmark this page for regular updates on the USC Trojans 2027 football recruiting class!
2027 USC Trojans Football Commits (11)
| Player | POS | Height/Weight | State | Industry Rating | Rivals POS Rank | 247 POS Rank | ESPN POS Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honor Fa’alave-Johnson | ATH/S | 6-1 / 190 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mekai Brown | EDGE | 6-6 / 235 | CT | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6) | 3 | 8 | 12 |
| Quentin Hale | WR | 6-3 / 192 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (12) | 18 | 9 | 10 |
| Danny Lang | DB | 5-11 / 160 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10) | 13 | 7 | 16 |
| Aaryn Washington | CB | 6-0 / 165 | FL | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (13) | 29 | 9 | 14 |
| Drew Fielder | OT | 6-6 / 270 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (11) | 13 | 10 | 27 |
| Eli Woodard | WR | 6-1 / 180 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (24) | 26 | 26 | 35 |
| Javon Vital Jr. | RB | 5-9 / 185 | LA | ⭐⭐⭐ (40) | 44 | 61 | 62 |
| Jace Cannon | TE | 6-5 / 210 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐ (29) | 32 | 33 | 19 |
| Josiah Poyer | LB | 6-1 / 225 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐ (52) | 80 | 62 | 22 |
| Isaia Vandermade | DL | 6-3 / 290 | CA | ⭐⭐⭐ (60) | 77 | 112 | 40 |
What Rank Is The USC Recruiting Class Of 2027?
As of April 2026, the USC 2027 class sits at No. 4 nationally on Rivals (No. 1 in the Big Ten) with an average rating of 93.95. On 247Sports, it currently ranks 3rd.
Roughly 73% of the early commits are from California, continuing the Trojans’ strong in-state pipeline. Aaryn Washington is originally from CA, but just transferred to IMG Academy.
Expect more blue-chip additions in the coming months as the class builds momentum.
Background & Stats On USC Trojans Football Commits 2027
The 2027 cycle is still very early, but USC has already flipped the script from a slow start to landing one of the top defensive backs in the country and multiple high-upside skill players. Riley’s staff is being selective, prioritizing fit and long-term impact over sheer volume. Here’s a closer look at the current commits and what makes them special.
Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, ATH/S, Cathedral Catholic High School (California)
Recruiting Rankings (as of commitment):
- On3: 96.12 (Top 20 nationally)
- 247Sports Composite: 5-star
- Rivals: 5-star
The Trojans’ biggest win so far came on March 14, 2026, when five-star athlete Honor Fa’alave-Johnson pledged to USC. A two-way star with sub-11-second 100-meter speed, Fa’alave-Johnson can play safety, corner, or even contribute on offense. He’s widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class and gives USC an instant playmaker in the secondary.
Mekai Brown, EDGE, Greenwich Country Day (Connecticut)
The Trojans landed one of the most physically imposing pass rushers in the cycle when Mekai Brown committed. Standing a towering 6-6 and around 235-240 pounds with exceptional length and basketball-honed explosiveness, Brown brings rare athleticism off the edge. A former hoop standout turned dominant defender, he exploded as a junior with double-digit sacks and strong tackle totals against quality competition. His burst, bend, and motor scream NFL traits, giving Lincoln Riley and the defensive staff a high-upside bookend who can pressure QBs immediately while developing into a complete every-down force.
Quentin Hale, WR, Centennial High School (Corona, California)
Recruiting Rankings:
- On3: 94.00
- 247Sports: 4-star
- ESPN: 90 grade
Quentin Hale, a tall, physical wide receiver with elite body control, committed in mid-March 2026. At 6-3 with strong hands and vertical ability, Hale dominated last season and is projected to develop into a big-play threat in Riley’s offense. His commitment further strengthens USC’s already impressive receiver room for the future.
Danny Lang, DB, Mater Dei High School
Recruiting Rankings:
- Rivals/On3: 4-Star (12th CB)
- 247Sports: 4-Star (7th CB)
- ESPN: 4-Star (26th CB)
Danny Lang was a huge addition to the 2027 class and someone that USC went all in for. They beat out Oregon, who surged late, before SC had Lang on campus 4 times in a week. He brings a ton of versatility to the DB room and can play outside, nickel, or deep safety.
Aaryn Washington, CB, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Recruiting Rankings:
- 247Sports: 4-star
- On3: 4-star
Aaryn Washington became the first commit in the 2027 class back in January 2026 (originally from Mater Dei before transferring to IMG Academy). A long, athletic corner with shutdown coverage skills, Washington gives the Trojans immediate depth and versatility in the secondary. His early pledge set the tone for a strong defensive start to the cycle.
Eli Woodard, WR, Chaparral High School (Temecula, California)
Recruiting Rankings:
- On3/247Sports: 4-star
Eli Woodard, another California product, committed in February 2026 after a standout junior season that included over 1,070 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. A speedy, explosive slot/vertical threat, Woodard fits perfectly in USC’s up-tempo system and adds another local weapon to the receiving corps.
Drew Fielder, OT, Servite (California)
USC flipped a blue-chip local tackle when Drew Fielder switched from Oregon to the Trojans. At 6-6 and 270-280 pounds with a lean, projectable frame and functional athleticism, Fielder excels as a mover in space—strong in pull blocks, climbs, and mirroring on the perimeter. Converted from tight end, he has only one full season at tackle, but already shows loose hips, competitive toughness, and the frame to add significant mass. As a Southern California product with family ties to USC, he’s a natural long-term anchor for the offensive line who brings versatility and high-floor traits to Riley’s scheme.
Josiah Poyer, LB, St. John Bosco (California)
In-state production meets intangibles in Josiah Poyer, a physical linebacker from powerhouse St. John Bosco. Listed around 6-1 and 225 pounds, Poyer is a sure-tackler with good instincts, lateral quickness, and the ability to stack the run or drop into coverage. A multi-year contributor who has produced in big games, he brings that Bosco toughness and football IQ that translates quickly at the next level. While not the flashiest name, evaluators who watch the tape see a reliable, high-motor linebacker who fits perfectly in a USC defense looking for instinctive, physical pieces to anchor the second level.
Javon Vital Jr., RB/ATH, Lake Charles College Prep (Louisiana)
USC added a dynamic playmaker from Louisiana in Javon Vital Jr. The compact 5-9, 185-pounder is a multi-phase threat who has lined up at RB, slot receiver, quarterback, and returner. Explosive in short areas with vision to string moves together, subtle acceleration, and natural hands, Vital creates mismatches with his elusiveness and football instincts. A multi-sport athlete (basketball, track), he brings big-play ability and versatility that fits Lincoln Riley’s offensive creativity perfectly—expect him to contribute as a runner, receiver, or gadget weapon early while his frame continues to develop.
Jace Cannon, TE, Junipero Serra (California)
The Trojans continued their in-state momentum by landing tall, athletic tight end Jace Cannon from Junipero Serra. At 6-4/6-5 and around 200-215 pounds with room to grow, Cannon is a smooth mover who wins with length, body control, and reliable hands down the seam. A multi-sport athlete (basketball, baseball), he showed strong production as a junior with big yards-per-catch numbers and red-zone threat ability. Cannon’s frame, route-running polish, and blocking upside give USC a classic “move” tight end who can stretch the field vertically while developing into a complete inline contributor in Riley’s offense.
Isaia Vandermade, DL, Santa Margarita Catholic High School (California)
Recruiting Rankings:
- 247Sports/On3: 3-star
Isaia Vandermade, a legacy commit and stout defensive lineman (6-3, 290), rounds out the early class. A physical run-stuffer with good athleticism for his size, Vandermade provides depth along the defensive line and keeps the Trojans’ California pipeline strong.
The 2027 USC Trojans recruiting class is already making waves with elite talent and local flavor. As more top prospects make their decisions in the coming months, expect this group to climb even higher in the national rankings. Fight On! ✌️