LOS ANGELES, California: The USC Trojans now lead the 2026 football recruiting race. They jumped to No. 1 in the On3 Industry Rankings after Oregon Ducks lost four-star defensive lineman Bott Mulitalo. USC’s rise highlights their recruiting strength in the competitive Big Ten landscape. Their strategic approach continues to yield impressive results for College Football recruiting.
Player Profile: Bott Mulitalo | 6’3″ | 260 lbs | Defensive Lineman | Four-star | Former Oregon commit | Considering USC, BYU Cougars, Utah Utes, and Washington Huskies
USC’s Elite 2026 Class Shows Strategic Recruiting Success
The Trojans have built a balanced recruiting class with top talent. Elite linebacker Xavier Griffin (No. 23 overall) and five-star cornerback RJ Sermons (No. 28) lead the group. USC has secured eleven total commitments. They’ve focused heavily on California talent. Seven of these eleven commits come from within state borders.
“USC’s defensive recruiting focuses on versatility and athleticism,” notes analyst Chad Simmons. “Their 2026 class features multi-position players who excel in different schemes.”
USC recently celebrated a significant victory when they flipped elite 2026 QB Jonas Williams from Oregon. This quarterback acquisition further strengthens their impressive class that includes blue-chip talents Brandon Lockhart, Simote Katoanga, Shahn Alston, and Braeden Jones.
USC-Oregon Recruiting Battle Intensifies for Big Ten Supremacy
The rivalry extends beyond flipping quarterback Jonas Williams from Oregon. Both programs now pursue several elite prospects, mirroring the intense competition seen across college football recruiting. Four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili is visiting both schools this week. His decision could impact the recruiting rankings.
“My interest in Oregon continues to grow stronger,” Ili told Simmons. “They are currently highest on my list.”
He also acknowledged USC’s impact: “USC made an impression on me. They’ve moved up my list. This visit helped them.”
USC now holds eleven commitments in the 2026 cycle. This ranks second-most among Power 4 programs. The November matchup between these teams will matter both on field and in recruiting battles. The competition for elite talent will shape the Big Ten for years.
This recruiting success follows a challenging period where USC faced player exodus concerns, making their current recruiting momentum even more significant. Follow Prospect-Radar.com for more updates on Football News and recruiting developments.
