USC Trojans Cornerbacks Coach Making Big Impact on Recruiting

Trovon Reed's work with top 2027 CB recruit Jailen Hill has USC trending for the in-state standout.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley are emerging as a top program for 2027 four-star cornerback recruit Jailen Hill. USC cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed has played a critical role in recruiting Hill, starting with an in-home visit. Reed has helped improve the Trojans' defense and has recruited several top cornerbacks in recent classes. With USC keeping Reed on board and the program's recruiting momentum, the Trojans have a strong chance to land Hill, one of the top cornerback recruits in the 2027 class.

Why it matters

Landing Jailen Hill would be a major coup for the USC Trojans, as he is one of the top cornerback recruits in the 2027 class. Securing elite in-state talent is crucial for USC to maintain its status as a top program. Additionally, the continued development of the Trojans' secondary under coach Trovon Reed could pay big dividends for the team's defensive performance in the coming years.

The details

Hill is the No. 15 cornerback, the No. 15 player from California, and the No. 161 recruit in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. USC cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed has been leading the recruitment of Hill, starting with an in-home visit. Reed was hired by USC in 2025 and has helped recruit several top cornerback prospects, including three signees from the 2026 class. Under Reed's coaching, USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson had a strong 2026 season, recording 42 total tackles, one sack, four passes defended, and one interception.

  • USC hired Trovon Reed as cornerbacks coach in 2025.
  • Reed has recruited three cornerback signees in the 2026 class.
  • Nicholson had a standout 2026 season under Reed's coaching.

The players

Trovon Reed

USC's cornerbacks coach who has played a critical role in recruiting top 2027 cornerback prospect Jailen Hill.

Jailen Hill

A 2027 four-star cornerback recruit who is being heavily targeted by USC and is considering the Trojans as a top program.

DeCarlos Nicholson

A USC cornerback who had a strong 2026 season under the coaching of Trovon Reed.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans football team.

Gary Patterson

The defensive coordinator hired by USC to help improve the team's defense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're trying to get everybody to stay home. They're just letting me know I'm one of the big priorities and one of the leaders in the 2027 class. If they get me, it could make a big impact on the whole program.”

— Jailen Hill (Rivals)

What’s next

With Hill taking his time before announcing his commitment, the USC Trojans will continue to make a strong push to land the in-state cornerback recruit, who could be a key piece of their 2027 class.

The takeaway

USC's investment in its defensive coaching staff, particularly with the retention of cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed, has paid dividends on the recruiting trail and could help the Trojans land one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2027 class in Jailen Hill.