USC Trojans Unveil Underrated Stars in Historic 2026 Recruiting Class
The USC Trojans have secured the top recruiting class for the 2026 cycle, as ranked by 247Sports. Among their impressive roster of 35 signees are several players who may not receive the immediate recognition they deserve but possess the potential to make significant contributions early in their college careers. Here, we highlight three of the most underrated recruits who could emerge as key players for USC.
One standout is Mosley, widely recognized as one of the most underrated recruits in the entire 2026 cycle. This dynamic wide receiver is a constant scoring threat, ranking as the No. 43 receiver nationally according to 247Sports. In a remarkable performance during the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 championship against Corona Centennial, he recorded 10 receptions for an astounding 293 yards and two touchdowns. This performance is particularly noteworthy as the week prior, Corona Centennial held Mater Dei—home to two USC signees, five-star tight end Mark Bowman and four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt—to just 194 passing yards. It is likely that Mosley will find himself contributing as a true freshman, given his athleticism and the precedent set by USC coach Lincoln Riley in utilizing freshman wide receivers, as demonstrated with Tanook Hines this season.
Another promising addition to the Trojans’ roster is Dyakonov, a four-star offensive lineman who committed to USC over the summer. His recruitment gained momentum, attracting offers from programs like Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. Ranked as the No. 23 offensive tackle and the No. 242 player in the nation, Dyakonov brings considerable size and skill to the Trojans, standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 275 pounds. With both of USC’s starting tackles retaining eligibility, Dyakonov has the opportunity to develop under the guidance of offensive line coach Zach Hanson, who has successfully nurtured younger linemen like Justin Tauanuu and Tobias Raymond.
The third notable recruit is Brooks, the lone three-star signee on this list and one of 13 three-star recruits for USC. At 6 feet 4 inches and 330 pounds, Brooks possesses impressive size and agility for his position, which could make him a valuable asset along the defensive line. Before committing to USC, he received offers from high-profile programs including Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, but ultimately chose to stay close to home.
The Trojans’ robust recruiting efforts have been bolstered by their new general manager Chad Bowen, who joined USC from Notre Dame in February. During his inaugural press conference, Bowen emphasized a commitment to high school recruiting and the importance of building relationships with families. Riley echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re not content with any part of this program being average. Or even being good. Like, that’s not our mentality.”
As the early enrollees prepare to join the USC campus, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the new talent arriving in Los Angeles. With the combination of these underrated recruits and a strong coaching staff, the Trojans are poised for a promising future, as they aim to maintain their status as a powerhouse in college football.
