The USC Trojans future is looking bright, as a number of 5-star recruits have joined the team, and others are looking to come aboard.
Illustrious USC Trojans Who Were Atop Their Recruiting Class
Over the years, many 5-star recruits have played for the Trojans, and a number are on the current roster.
Former 5-Star Recruits
In 2003, Reggie Bush was a 5-Star recruit. He was the highest rated running back in the country. Bush went on to win the Heisman Trophy. Bush is in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Likewise, in 2021, Caleb Williams was a 5-star recruit, and the highest rated quarterback in the country. Williams is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Many other former Trojans were 5-star recruits, including Su’a Cravens, the late Joe McKnight, Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster, Adoree’ Jackson, etc.
It is worth noting, however, that those who rate recruits don’t always get it right. For example, NFL Hall-of-Famer Troy Polamalu was only rated a 3-star recruit when he joined the Trojans.
5-Star Recruits Currently on the Team Roster
USC has a number of 5-Star recruits on its current roster, including Bear Alexander and Zachariah Branch.
Defensive tackle Bear Alexander, who transferred from Georgia to USC last season, was a 5-star recruit in 2022. Although Alexander watched the recent NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he will be returning to play for the Trojans in the 2024 season.
Soaking it All In ❤️✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/fq32xqNoou
— Bear Alexander (@BearAlexander_) March 3, 2024
Additionally, speedy WR Zachariah Branch, who will return to the team as a sophomore, was a 5-star recruit. Last year, he became USC’s first ever true freshman First-Team All-American. Branch has quite the pedigree. The late Cliff Branch — legendary Raiders wide receiver — is Zachariah Branch’s great uncle.
Incoming 5-Star Recruits
5-Star wide receiver Kaliq Lockett is scheduled to visit USC in June. According to 247 Sports, Lockett is the No. 11 overall recruit for the 2025 class. Although Lockett resides in Texas, he says USC is his “dream school.”
If Lockett commits to USC, the Trojans will be sitting pretty with regard to their 2025 recruiting class. Indeed, the No. 1 overall prospect in the class according to Rivals, Julian Lewis, has already committed to play for the Trojans. Lewis resides in Georgia.
Another 5-star WR from Texas, Andrew Marsh, is also slated to visit USC in June. This will be Marsh’s second visit to USC. He enjoyed his initial visit, stating:
“Great visit, coaches and atmosphere. To top it off, I got a chance to experience it with my family. I like the whole vibe my family and I got hanging out with the coaches and their families. My mom and sisters said they we very welcoming to them plus my nieces had fun with their kids.”
Don’t Forget the 4-Star Recruits
USC’s 2024 class is strong, featuring eleven 4-star commits, nine of whom are in the ESPN 300.
In terms of distinguishing between the “star” ratings of recruiting prospects, here’s a handy definition:
Five-star prospect. One of the top 30 players in the nation. This player has excellent pro-potential and should emerge as one of the best in the country before the end of his career. There will be 32 prospects ranked in this range in every football class to mirror the first round of the NFL Draft
Four-star prospect. One of the top 300 players in the nation. This prospect will be an impact-player for his college team. He is an All-American candidate who is projected to play professionally.
Three-star prospect. One of the top 10% players in the nation. This player will develop into a reliable starter for his college team and is among the best players in his region of the country. Many three-stars have significant pro potential.
Thus, with current and incoming 5-star prospects, along with nearly a dozen signed 4-star prospects, the future looks bright for the Trojans as they prepare to begin Big-Ten play.
