USC Leads 2026 Football Recruiting With 26 Commits

USC leads the nation in 2026 college football recruiting with 26 commits and ranks No. 10 in average recruit rating, driven by the recent hiring of general manager Chad Bowden. The Trojans' class features high-profile players like five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, four-star running back Shahn Alston, and three-star receiver Ja’Myron Baker. USC's approach discourages recruits from taking official visits elsewhere after committing, aiming to reduce late decommitments experienced in previous cycles. Other programs, such as Vanderbilt and Auburn, are also active, with Auburn targeting top quarterbacks Landon Duckworth and Jaden O’Neal. UCLA is monitoring its 2026 class with an emphasis on talent and positional fit. The ongoing official visit season is expected to prompt further recruiting shifts nationwide.