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Incoming USC Edge Rusher Explains Why Trojans Won Over Ohio State, Penn State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 4:02 PM ET

USC rises to 30 verbal commitments thanks to Luke Wafle. Except the towering four-star turns down not one, but two Big Ten powers for the Trojans.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound edge rusher chose USC over Ohio State and Penn State. Wafle looked prime to land at Ohio State per multiple recruiting outlets. However, USC managed to sway him 24 hours after he got projected to join the Buckeyes.

The Nittany Lions were another contender earlier in June. Mainly due to older brother Owen Wafle landing there via the college football transfer portal. So why and how did USC win out in the very end? Wafle detailed his reasons with Tom Loy of 247Sports after choosing the Trojans.

"USC is poised for greatness, and I'm excited for the opportunity to join their journey for a national championship," Wafle told Loy. "Over the past several months, I've built a strong connection with the coaching staff and believe in them and their vision. I can't wait to get started and help bring home a title."

Wafle heads to the West Coast as the state of New Jersey's top-ranked prospect for the '26 class. He's fresh off delivering 53 tackles -- 18 coming behind the line of scrimmage. He also produced eight sacks.

He's a rare east coast recruiting win for head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans coaching staff. Assistant defensive line coach Shaun Nua led the charge to land Wafle. Wafle becomes the eighth incoming defensive lineman prospect for USC. But he's USC's 20th recruit with a four-star rating.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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