Notre Dame loses elite four-star DE to USC's Lincoln Riley

Mekai Brown, a top 2027 recruit, chooses Trojans over Fighting Irish

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, gold, and crimson red, conveying the competitive nature of college football recruiting.The loss of a top recruit to a rival program highlights the challenges Notre Dame faces in maintaining its elite status on the college football recruiting trail.South Bend Today

Despite a recent visit to South Bend, four-star EDGE rusher Mekai Brown announced he will commit to USC over Notre Dame and other top programs. The decision is a blow to Notre Dame's 2027 recruiting class, but head coach Marcus Freeman still has time to try and flip Brown's commitment.

Why it matters

Landing elite recruits is crucial for Notre Dame to maintain its status as a national powerhouse. Losing Brown, a top target, to rival USC and head coach Lincoln Riley is a setback, especially with the future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry in question.

The details

Brown had Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and USC as his final five schools. The decision came down to the Fighting Irish and Trojans, with USC ultimately winning out. Brown cited USC's plans for him on the field and a family connection to Los Angeles as factors in his choice.

  • Brown announced his commitment on April 17, 2026.

The players

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans football team.

Mekai Brown

A four-star EDGE rusher in the Class of 2027 who committed to USC over Notre Dame and other top programs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With all the being said... I'll be committing to USC”

— Mekai Brown

What’s next

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman will try to flip Mekai Brown's commitment to USC before the 2027 class is finalized.

The takeaway

This recruiting loss to USC highlights the challenges Notre Dame faces in maintaining its status as an elite program, especially with the future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry in question. However, there is still time for the Fighting Irish to rebound and land other top targets in the 2027 class.