USC Takes the Lead in College Football Recruiting for 2026

USC is making waves in the college football world. They have the top-ranked recruiting class for 2026. This is a big deal because it's the first time a non-SEC school has had the number one spot in a long time. The last time this happened was in 2008 with Miami. For the past 17 years, SEC schools have dominated this list. Even finishing in the top two has been rare for non-SEC schools, with Ohio State being the last to do so in 2021. The Trojans are focusing on bringing in young talent from their own state. They have 20 in-state prospects, which is the most since 2015. Coach Chad Bowden is pushing for this strategy. He wants to build the team from the high school ranks instead of relying on transfers. This approach is paying off, as USC is beating out big names like Oregon, Ohio State, and Alabama. Meanwhile, other schools are facing uncertainty. Legend Bey, a four-star athlete committed to Ohio State, is delaying his decision. He might choose Tennessee, Baylor, or SMU. Another big name, Calvin Russell, a five-star wide receiver committed to Syracuse, is also taking his time. He's considering Michigan and Miami, where he visited for every home game this year. USC's success isn't just about talent. It's about strategy. Coach Bowden knows what he's doing. He's been recruiting against USC for years and has figured out the right formula. He's focusing on beating local rivals and building a strong team from within. This is a fresh approach that's working well for USC.