In the rapidly evolving world of college football recruiting, the USC Trojans just made another statement.
On Thursday, the Trojans landed a commitment from four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle, one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. The win wasn’t just on the field — it was at the negotiating table, too. According to multiple reports, Wafle’s NIL deal is valued between $2.2 and $2.6 million, initially structured over two years but ultimately extended to a three-year agreement by USC.
USC Trojans Land Four-Star Edge Luke Wafle in High-Stakes NIL Showdown
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The recruiting battle came down to USC and Ohio State, with each program working behind the scenes to sweeten their NIL offers. On3 reported that the Buckeyes made a significant push midweek, causing Wafle to inform USC early Wednesday that he was opting to stay closer to home. But by that evening, the Trojans had countered — both financially and relationally — and regained momentum.
“Even though I was told it would be Monday, I know how this stuff works sometimes,” said On3’s Scott Schrader, who tracked the twists closely. “Then Wednesday morning we learned Ohio State was trending, and USC was out… at least at that time.”
That changed fast. By Thursday morning, USC was back in the lead, submitting a prediction with an 87% confidence level in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.
Wafle’s commitment serves as a broader indicator of how USC’s approach to NIL has matured. After losing out on several high-profile battles in 2023, the Trojans have pivoted aggressively under the leadership of general manager Chad Bowden. The result: USC currently boasts the No. 1 ranked 2026 recruiting class, featuring 30 commits, including blue-chippers like Talanoa Ili, Jonas Williams, and now Wafle.
While some may bristle at teenagers signing multi-million-dollar deals before taking a college snap, the reality is clear: USC is no longer getting outbid — they’re setting the market.
And for Wafle, a dominant athlete out of The Hun School in New Jersey, the Trojans proved they were all-in — not just in words, but in dollars.