USC Targets Four-Star Safety Gavin Williams in 2027 Recruiting
The USC Trojans are making significant strides in their pursuit of four-star safety recruit Gavin Williams, one of the top prospects in the 2027 recruiting cycle. With an impressive track record of acquiring local talent, the Trojans aim to replicate their success from the 2026 recruiting class, where nearly half of their recruits hailed from California. As they continue to seek their first commitment for the 2027 class, Williams stands out as a promising candidate.
Williams recently shared his thoughts on the recruitment process with Rivals, emphasizing the appeal of the Trojans’ coaching staff. He remarked, “What excites me most about the opportunity to play for the Trojans is the combination of high-level football, player development, and the tradition of the program. I can see myself growing there both on and off the field, and I really like the vision the staff has for me in their defense.”
Ranked as the No. 16 safety and No. 164 player nationally according to 247Sports‘ Composite rankings, Williams entered the offseason with 10 scholarship offers. That number has since ballooned to 36, reflecting his rising profile in the sport. In just three games this season, he has recorded 16 tackles, one interception, and one pass deflection, showcasing his abilities on the field.
USC Faces Competition From Elite Programs
While the Trojans are optimistic about Williams, they face stiff competition from other prestigious programs. Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon are also vying for the California native’s commitment. Williams has already visited Ohio State this season, attending their season opener against Texas. As he plans further visits, the local appeal of USC and their defensive scheme may play a crucial role in his decision-making process.
The Rivals’ Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently gives USC a 27 percent chance of securing Williams. Despite the competition, the Trojans’ local presence and the coaching staff’s reputation for developing talent could give them an edge.
California’s Top Defensive Back Talent
California is home to several elite defensive back recruits in the 2027 cycle, including five-star cornerback JuJu Johnson. Johnson holds offers from a range of top programs, including Alabama, Nebraska, and Miami, alongside USC. He is recognized as the No. 3 cornerback and No. 19 player nationwide according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings.
Additionally, four-star cornerback Aaryn Washington is projected to favor USC, with the RPM indicating a 57 percent chance of him joining the Trojans. Washington ranks as the No. 8 cornerback and No. 73 player in the country, further enhancing USC’s recruiting efforts.
With the stakes high for the Trojans as they build their roster for the future, securing a commitment from Williams could mark a significant milestone in their 2027 recruiting campaign. The ongoing recruitment of top-tier defensive talent like Williams, Johnson, and Washington illustrates USC’s commitment to enhancing their program’s competitiveness in college football.
