The USC Trojans have been quietly building a strong rapport with one of the top 2026 prospects in the nation.
The No. 1 tight end in the country, per On3 Industry Rankings, was once viewed as a heavy favorite to end up in the SEC, with the recruiting battle coming down to Texas and Georgia. Both of these powerhouse schools are still very much in the mix, but USC appears to be making strides in keeping the Mater Dei prospect home.
USC Trojans Surging For Top Tight End Mark Bowman
According to Steve Wiltfong on On3, USC is now the school to look out for.
“USC has a lot going for it, including being one of the historic programs in college football history, to what Riley and company are building, to the rapport built with Chad Savage, new General Manager Chad Bowden and Executive Director of Player Personnel Maximus Stienecker, the comfort level with the program has skyrocketed,” Wiltfong writes. “From an NIL standpoint and the opportunities within and around the program, USC is looking to be as powerful as any in the country right now.”
USC Trojans Tight End and Inside Receivers Coach Chad Savage has been putting in work since he arrived in Los Angeles, and he has built a great relationship with both Bowman and the Mater Dei staff.
USC already has two Monarchs committed in the 2026 class in Tomuhini Topui and Shaun Scott, but they are still looking for their first offensive commit. Bowman would be a massive one.
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As stated, he is the No. 1 tight end in the class and is the 15th-ranked overall player. This is all after reclassifying from the 2027 class, showing that his potential is even higher than what he is already ranked.
He currently has five official visits scheduled, and had one already last weekend.
- Ole Miss – May 16
- Miami – May 30
- Texas – June 6
- Georgia – June 13
- USC Trojans – June 17
- Oregon – June 20
He has been to USC 3 times for unofficial visits, twice this year since the new regime has taken over.
Texas and Georgia are both still in a really good spot and will be tough to beat, but USC is moving its way into the pole position. That June 17 official visit is going to be critical.