Why USCs 2026 Football Recruiting Class Is Drawing National Attention

USC’s football program has secured its first commitment for the 2026 recruiting class, marking an early start to its efforts for that cycle. The class currently holds a national ranking, and its initial member is a highly regarded prospect from the East Coast.

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The University of Southern California’s 2026 football recruiting class is currently ranked 13th nationally. This ranking is based on the early commitment period for that cycle.

The first and, so far, only commit for the 2026 class is Julien Horton. He is a defensive back from Bel Air, Maryland.

Julien Horton is rated as a 4-star recruit. Nationally, he is considered the No. 12 cornerback prospect and the No. 3 overall recruit from the state of Maryland for the 2026 class.

In recent history, a high percentage of 5-star recruits signed by USC have seen playing time as true freshmen. The program has signed eight 5-star prospects in the last two recruiting cycles combined.

Summary

USC has begun building its 2026 football recruiting class, which is presently ranked 13th in the country. The class features a single early commitment.

That commit is Julien Horton, a 4-star defensive back from Maryland. He is ranked as a top-15 cornerback and a top-3 player in his home state.

The program has demonstrated a recent pattern of playing its highest-rated recruits early. Over the last two years, USC has added eight 5-star prospects to its roster.

FAQs

Why is the 2026 recruiting class being discussed now?
Recruiting is a continuous process, and programs often secure commitments from top prospects years in advance. Early rankings provide a preliminary view of a class’s strength.

Who is Julien Horton?
Julien Horton is a 4-star cornerback from Bel Air, Maryland. He is the first player to commit to USC’s 2026 football recruiting class.

What does the number of 5-star recruits indicate?
The signing of multiple 5-star recruits in recent cycles indicates USC’s ability to attract top-tier high school talent. Historical data shows most of these players see the field in their first year.