The Five-Star Offensive And Defensive Crown Jewels: Breaking Down Southern Cal Football's Elite 2025 Recruiting Class

The Southern Cal Trojans have officially closed one of the most impactful Early Signing Periods in recent memory, securing a massive haul of 35 new players for the 2026 season. As of December 15, 2025, the buzz around the USC football program is electric, with head coach Lincoln Riley and General Manager Chad Bowden successfully navigating the complexities of the transfer portal and high school recruiting to address critical needs on both sides of the ball. The class is already being touted by some as a potential No. 1 national class, a feat not accomplished by the Trojans since 2006, signaling a seismic shift in the program's talent acquisition strategy as they prepare for the transition to the Big Ten Conference.

This 2025 recruiting class is not just large; it is headlined by elite, five-star talent that immediately injects championship-caliber potential into the roster, particularly on the defensive side, which has been a major focus for the staff. The commitment to securing top-tier defensive linemen and a future franchise quarterback proves that Riley's 'California Bet' is paying off, blending national prestige with a renewed emphasis on local, in-state talent to rebuild the foundation of the program.

The Crown Jewels: USC's Elite Five-Star Signees

The success of the 2025 class hinges on the commitment of three consensus top-tier prospects, each poised to become a foundational player for the Trojans. These recruits represent a significant win in high-stakes recruiting battles, demonstrating USC's ability to compete with the nation's traditional powerhouses for elite talent. The focus on both a future Quarterback (QB) and two game-changing Defensive Linemen (DL) is a clear strategic move to build a complete team.

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• Jahkeem Stewart (5-Star Defensive Lineman): Hailing from New Orleans, Stewart is arguably the biggest signing of the class. He is rated as the top defensive lineman and one of the highest-ranked prospects nationally in the 2025 cycle, often listed as the No. 2 overall prospect. His immense size and impressive linear athleticism make him an immediate-impact player who addresses USC's most pressing need: a dominant presence in the trenches. Stewart's commitment is a major national recruiting statement for the Trojans.
• Husan Longstreet (5-Star Quarterback): The future of the USC offense is in the hands of this Corona, California native from Centennial High School. Longstreet is a five-star quarterback who has consistently been ranked among the top signal-callers in the nation. His early enrollment will allow him to participate in 2026 spring practice, giving him a crucial head start in mastering the Lincoln Riley offensive system and competing for the starting job.
• Luke Wafle (5-Star Defensive End/EDGE): A dominant edge rusher from New Jersey, Wafle has seen a massive jump in his ranking, earning a fifth star from some major recruiting services. Wafle is consistently ranked as the No. 1 player in New Jersey and a top-100 defender nationally. His signing is part of the star-studded defensive haul that the Trojans prioritized, bringing much-needed pass-rushing ability to the defensive line.

Lincoln Riley's Strategic Shift: The California Bet and Defensive Focus

The narrative surrounding USC recruiting under Lincoln Riley has often focused on the high-powered offense. However, the 2025 class marks a definitive shift in strategy, prioritizing defense and cementing a pipeline for in-state talent. The Trojans have been relentless in their pursuit of elite defensive players, resulting in a historically strong defensive haul.

The Defensive Line Rebuild

Beyond the five-star headliners, the defensive line was a major focus area. The staff secured multiple high-potential defensive linemen to build depth and future dominance. This includes signees like Floyd Boucard and Gus Cordova, who will complement the elite talent of Stewart and Wafle. The emphasis on the defensive front is a direct response to the physical demands of joining the Big Ten Conference, where line-of-scrimmage play is paramount.

Re-Committing to In-State Talent

Riley and General Manager Chad Bowden have made a conscious effort to lock down the West Coast, a strategy dubbed the 'California Bet.' The 2025 class is set to bring in one of the largest contingents of in-state prospects under Riley. This focus ensures that the Trojans are not only competitive nationally but are also dominating their own backyard, which is crucial for long-term program stability and local fan engagement.

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Key in-state commits include five-star QB Husan Longstreet and four-star Linebacker Matai Tagoa'i from San Clemente. Tagoa'i is a long, athletic defender who can play both inside and outside linebacker, fitting the modern defensive scheme perfectly. Other California signees like defensive back RJ Sermons and offensive lineman Aaron Dunn further solidify this local foundation.

Transfer Portal Dynamics and Big Ten Recruiting Battles

While the high school class is stellar, Southern Cal football recruiting is always a two-pronged approach that heavily involves the transfer portal. The USC Transfer Portal activity remains a key element of roster management, with the Trojans both adding talent and managing departures. The ability to use the portal to plug immediate holes with experienced players allows the high school class to develop without immediate pressure, a critical element of the team's long-term strategy.

The move to the Big Ten Conference has already begun to influence recruiting. The Trojans are now consistently battling traditional Big Ten powers like Ohio State and Michigan for top national prospects. The commitment of Luke Wafle, who was heavily pursued by other top programs, is an early sign that USC can win these Big Ten recruiting battles. The new conference affiliation also creates a new set of LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and recruiting narratives, making the Trojans a national entity from coast to coast.

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Looking ahead to future classes, the Trojans are already heavily pursuing top targets like elite tight end Mark Bowman from Mater Dei, who is considered one of the best at his position in the country. The combination of a top-ranked high school class, strategic transfer portal additions, and a clear defensive philosophy positions USC for a strong debut in their new conference. The 2025 class is a statement that the Trojans are building a roster designed to compete for national championships, not just conference titles, by securing elite talent at every critical position.