In one of the most dramatic recruiting swings of the cycle, four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle is once again trending toward the USC Trojans. On3’s Steve Wiltfong, who had flipped his prediction to Ohio State just a day earlier, reversed course early on Thursday morning and logged a new prediction in favor of USC—suggesting the Trojans may have seized control heading into Wafle’s Thursday announcement at 11 a.m. PT on the On3 Recruits YouTube channel.
Wafle, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge from the Hun School (N.J.), is the No. 10 edge rusher and No. 52 overall prospect in the 2026 class per the On3 Industry Rankings. He has emerged as a top target for both USC and Ohio State, with Penn State, Texas, and Florida trailing closely.
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“This has become a bidding war for one of America’s best,” Wiltfong wrote. “Whatever the NIL promise was, USC trumped it this past weekend. That, along with potentially playing for Eric Henderson and Shaun Nua, made for an exciting opportunity.”
Reportedly, both schools escalated their NIL offers, with sources indicating Wafle could command a two-year deal worth between $2.2–$2.6 million. Despite Ohio State’s counteroffer, USC has reasserted itself late in the process.
Andrew Ivins of 247Sports described Wafle as a “force-based defensive end that’s a tackle collector on the edge… a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff contender.”
With only two edge rushers currently committed in their No. 1-ranked class, landing Wafle would give Lincoln Riley his highest-rated edge recruit and strengthen USC’s defensive front significantly.
As Wafle nears a decision, the Trojans appear to be back in pole position—proof that in modern recruiting, momentum can shift overnight.