No. 1 College Football Recruiting Class Revealed

After years stuck outside the top 15 in On3 Industry’s recruiting rankings, USC is now reaping the rewards of a smart recruitment policy. GM Chad Bowden has masterminded a front office rebuild that brought some of the nation’s top scouts and recruiters into the program.

Bowden rolled in from Notre Dame, where he helped piece together a roster that made a serious run at the national title last season. Dre Brown arrives fresh from Illinois, where he engineered the Illini’s first 10-win season in more than two decades. Max Stienecker, widely regarded as a top young strategist, makes the jump from Wisconsin.

As of early June, the Trojans boast the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class with a massive 28 commitments — nearly twice as many as any other Power 4 program. The group features one five-star, 17 four-stars, and 10 three-stars, with several prospects edging toward blue-chip status.

Brandon Arrington is the biggest name USC is chasing right now. Arrington is a 6-2, 180-pound corner from Spring Valley who On3 names the best 2026 recruit in California and a five-star talent. The Trojans have already locked down the likes of Mark Bowman, Simote Katoanga, and Brandon Lockhart.

LSU holds down the No. 2 spot behind USC, with nine commitments on the books — including two five-stars and six four-stars.