The USC Trojans have secured the nation's top recruiting class for 2026 with 35 high school commitments and bring back an FBS-high 15 starters, according to the source. Head coach Lincoln Riley, entering his fifth season, faces heightened expectations as the program transitions fully into Big Ten competition.. The goal is a College Football Playoff berth after an 8-4 season that included wins over Michigan and Iowa.

35 Commitments and Five-Star Flagship Recruits: Inside the No. 1 Class

The 2026 recruiting haul for USC is historic in both scale and star power. The source reports that the Trojans landed 35 high school commitments, including five-star edge rusher Luke Wafle and five-star tight end Mark Bowman — both projected as immediate contributors. The class is deep across the board: six wide receivers, five defensive linemen, and four edge rushers, addressing critical needs for a defense seeking a dominant identity.

Four-star cornerback Elbert Hill and four-star defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield further shore up the secondary and front seven. This aggressive recruiting push signals Riley's commitment to building a roster capable of enduring the physical demands of the Big Ten , as the source noted.

15 Returning Starters: The Stability Edge in a Transfer-Portal Era

While many programs lose experience to the transfer portal, USC has retained a league-leading 15 starters, the highest number in the FBS according to the source. This continuity is rare and provides a significant advantage in chemistry and playbook execution. On offense, the returning core includes running backs King Miller and Waymond Jordan, wide receiver Tanook Hines, and five offensive linemen: Elijah Paige, Tobias Raymond, Kilian O'Connor, Alani Noa, and Justin Tauanuu.

The veteran offensive line will be crucial for quarterback Jayden Maiava, who is entering his second full season as starter. the source also highlights targeted transfer additions like wide receiver Terrell Anderson and defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren, which complement the returning talent without disrupting the locker room dynamic.

The Jayden Maiava Question: Can the Quarterback Elevate from Good to Elite?

The source frames Maiava's development as the deciding factor between a good season and a legendary one. Maiava must prove he can thrive against Big Ten defenses that are more physical and complex than Pac-12 opponents. The returning offensive line and weapons give him a strong supporting cast, but unanswered questions remain: Can Maiava consistently deliver in high-pressure games? Has he improved his deep-ball accuracy and pocket awareness after a 2025 campaign that showed flashes but also inconsistency?

The report does not detail Maiava's 2025 statistics or specific areas of growth, leaving observers to speculate. His performance will be the linchpin for USC's playoff hopes.

What an 8-4 Season with Wins Over Michigan and Iowa Says (and Doesn't Say)

USC's 2025 season ended with an 8-4 record and statement victories over Michigan and Iowa, as the source reported. Those wins demonstrate that the Trojans can compete with top Big Ten programs. However, the four losses — and the fact that Riley has yet to reach the College Football Playoff — raise questions about whether the team can sustain elite performance week after week . The source does not detail the nature of those losses or the margin, leaving open the possibility that the team was closer to contention than the record suggests.

Still, the upward trajectory is clear. With the combination of a historic recruiting class, veteran continuity, and targeted transfers, 2026 may be the year USC returns to national prominence. But until the pieces prove themselves on the field, the program remains a tantalizing potential rather than a proven powerhouse.