ESPN Ranks USC's Incoming Talent 13th in the Nation

Trojans land top-ranked recruiting class but have quieter transfer portal cycle

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:55pm

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ESPN analysts Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker recently ranked the top 25 groups of incoming talent (combining freshmen and transfers) in college football, and they placed USC at No. 13 on the list. While the Trojans signed the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, ESPN was not as high on their transfer portal additions this cycle.

Why it matters

USC is looking to build on a strong 2025 season and compete for a national championship in 2026. The Trojans' recruiting and transfer portal hauls will be crucial in determining their on-field success next year, so ESPN's evaluation of their incoming talent provides valuable insight.

The details

ESPN highlighted USC's top-ranked high school class as the driving force behind their No. 13 ranking, noting that the Trojans "are leaning more on its top-ranked high school class, though its group is boosted by some strong portal additions." The analysts praised USC's work on the defensive line, singling out five-star DT Tomuhini Topui, four-star DT Jaimeon Winfield, and four-star LB Ili as key freshmen additions. On the transfer front, ESPN highlighted CB Jontez Williams (Iowa State), WR Terrell Anderson (NC State), DE Zuriah Fisher (Penn State), and DT Alex VanSumeren (Michigan State) as impactful veteran additions.

  • The rankings were published on March 10, 2026.

The players

Craig Haubert

ESPN analyst who co-authored the rankings of top incoming college football talent.

Billy Tucker

ESPN analyst who co-authored the rankings of top incoming college football talent.

Luke Wafle

Five-star defensive lineman in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Jaimeon Winfield

Four-star defensive tackle in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Tomuhini Topui

Four-star defensive tackle from Mater Dei High School in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Ili

Four-star linebacker in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Mark Bowman

One of the top tight ends in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Ethan Feaster

Dynamic young wide receiver in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Keenyi Pepe

Massive 6-foot-7, 320-pound offensive lineman in USC's 2026 recruiting class.

Jontez Williams

Cornerback transfer from Iowa State who will likely start for USC.

Terrell Anderson

Wide receiver transfer from NC State who will help replace production lost to the NFL.

Zuriah Fisher

Defensive end transfer from Penn State who will bolster USC's pass rush.

Alex VanSumeren

Nose tackle transfer from Michigan State who will provide an experienced presence on the defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“USC is leaning more on its top-ranked high school class, though its group is boosted by some strong portal additions.”

— Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker, ESPN Analysts

“Expect several freshmen to play roles right away.”

— Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker, ESPN Analysts

“Topui is a 300-pounder with excellent quickness and the type of player USC has previously struggled to keep at home.”

— Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker, ESPN Analysts

“USC peppered the roster with experienced, Power 4-ready talent.”

— Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker, ESPN Analysts

“Healthy once again, [Jontez] Williams will likely start at corner and brings proven coverage skills.”

— Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker, ESPN Analysts

What’s next

The Trojans will look to prove ESPN's rankings wrong by having their highly-touted incoming talent make an immediate impact on the field in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

While USC may have landed the top-ranked recruiting class, ESPN's analysts believe the Trojans' transfer portal additions were not as strong, leading to a No. 13 ranking for their overall incoming talent. However, the Trojans have the opportunity to show that their combination of elite high school recruits and experienced portal additions will make them a force to be reckoned with in 2026.