USC is trending in the right direction. Lincoln Riley is going all in for the 2026 recruiting cycle, stacking blue chip talent and keeping top-tier California prospects home. The Trojans may have finished last season 7-6, but the vision for the program is starting to take shape. The latest win is the massive in-state commitment from edge rusher Simote Katoanga. The 6’5, 250lb beast chose USC over other powerhouses like Ohio State and Notre Dame. And if his words are any indication, this isn’t just a football decision — it’s a movement.
“I chose USC because I want to be a part of the change and revival,” Simote Katoanga stated. “I want to be the team that inspires California kids to stay home and play for the Cardinal and Gold.” He’s the 11th commit in Lincoln Riley’s 2026 class and the fifth to rank inside On3 Industry’s Top 100. And he’s not coming alone. The Santa Margarita Catholic standout is already working to bring his boys along with him, mentioning Trent Mosley and Talanoa Ili, as key targets to join him in USC.
As if that wasn’t enough momentum, USC is also primed to land Mater Dei’s star Mark Bowman. On February 28, LAFB Network dropped a big recruiting intel on USC — “#1 TE in the 2026 class, Mark Bowman, is trending towards USC! The Mater Dei standout and Cali native could be the next big weapon for the Trojans.” At 6’5, 225-pounds, he’s the nightmare every offense dreams of having.
#1 TE in the 2026 class, Mark Bowman, is trending toward USC!
The Mater Dei standout and Cali native could be the next big weapon for the Trojans pic.twitter.com/auN8AK2AjN
— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) February 27, 2025
Mark Bowman has the size to dominate linebackers, the speed to burn safeties, and the versatility to line up anywhere in the field. After reclassifying from the 2027 class, he quickly emerged as the top target for elite programs in the country. After taking trips to Oregon and Georgia, he’s scheduled for upcoming visits to USC and Texas. But if the buzz is valid, the Trojans might have the inside track to keep this California kid home.
Another key win by Lincoln Riley is flipping 4-star QB Jonas Williams from Oregon. On3 JD Pickell couldn’t retain his optimism for USC saying, “The bulk of this class is from Southern California…You got the quarterback from the team in the Big Ten you’re trying to get through to go win the conference.” This flip is a statement. The QB position is the foundation of any great recruiting class. But the Trojans are winning on defense too.
Lincoln Riley is building the defense
It’s not just the offense getting a boost. USC is making major moves on the defensive side. The Trojans remain in the mix for Richard Anderson, the No. 1 DL in the class despite his commitment to LSU. The Trojans are also in a prime position with On300 standouts like Titan Davis, Kevin Ford, and Jaimeon Winfield, among others. In the secondary, Lincoln Riley already boasts commitments from On3’s No. 1 CB RJ Sermons and No. 6 CB Brandon Lockhart, with more elite names like Davon Benjamin and Brandon Arrington still in play.
With spring visits coming up and top prospects locking in their decisions, USC is one of the hottest names in recruiting right now. Only Oregon remains ahead for them to boast the No. 1 recruiting class in 2026. Lincoln Riley’s style is simple yet effective — build from within, keep elite California talent at home, and then expand the footprint nationally.
So far, so good. If things keep trending this way, don’t be surprised if Lincoln Riley brings USC back in the national championship conversation.
The post 250lb Beast Buys Into Lincoln Riley’s California Dream as USC Closes in With Major In-State Win appeared first on EssentiallySports.
