Number 1 CB Prospect Gobsmacked By USC Trojans Visit

The Number 1 cornerback prospect, Elbert Hill, visited the USC Trojans for the first time this past weekend, and per reports from On3, the visit went very well.

The 5’10”, 170-pound CB out of Akron, Ohio told On3, “My visit at USC was great. And the big highlights for me was meeting the coaching staff and seeing the stadium.”

Coach Lincoln Riley has built an elite defensive staff, so it is easy to see why players will want to play in this system. D’Anton Lynn has proven to be one of the top defensive coordinators in the entire country, highlighted by his contract raise and extension after Penn State came lurking.

Hill’s position coach, Doug Belk, is one of the rising stars in college football coaching circles and brings a ton of experience with him, as well.

“Just the way they play and how they run their defense,” Hill told On3.

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Seeing the improvement of players like Jaylin Smith this past season had to excite Hill and his camp about the potential development that he will receive with the Trojans.

USC Trojans Impress Elbert Hill And Family

Along with recruiting a player, making the family feel comfortable and at home is just as important. Hill’s father attended the trip as well and was blown away by how it went.

“I can actually say USC made a huge impression on us this weekend. Coach Riley, Doug Belk, Wes Zernechel, D’Anton Lynn, Wiley, and Ryan Dougherty did a phenomenal job,” Hill’s father told On3.

“What they’re building out there is going to be great. They really showed us that.”

Lincoln Riley’s message since day one has been about building a foundation and setting the culture that will sustain for years to come. While they still need to go and execute on the field and stack wins, the message seems to be taking hold heading into year 4.

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It does feel like the program finally has a clearer vision of the future, and now with the addition of Chad Bowden as the new GM, the hope is that they can execute this vision to the full extent.

The USC Trojans already have a really strong 2026 recruiting class in the secondary. Currently committed are 4-star RJ Sermons, 4-star Brandon Lockhart, 3-star Joshua Holland, and 3-star ATH Madden Riordan.

If the Trojans were able to earn a commitment from Hill, they would hold commitments from the 1st (Hill), 2nd (Sermons), and 5th (Lockhart) ranked CBs in the On3 Rankings. They are also trending for the 3rd-ranked CB Davon Benjamin.

Landing Hill will not be easy, however. They are in an uphill battle against the heavy hitters of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Oregon, Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, and just about every other premier program.

However, it is good to see the progress, and Hill’s father said that USC “absolutely” earned an official visit later in the year.