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Top 2027 QB Recruit Reveals Thoughts on USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 1:12 PM ET

The USC Trojans are experiencing tremendous success with their 2026 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 1 by the On3 Team Recruiting Rankings. They are yet to register a commitment from the 2027 class, but they are working to change that. One name they are interested in is that of a four-star quarterback, Peyton Houston.

Some of the top schools are recruiting the Los Angeles native, including elite SEC schools such as the Texas Longhorns, the Oklahoma Sooners, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the LSU Tigers. Houston is ranked the No. 6 quarterback in the class and the No. 78 overall recruit per On3 Industry rankings.

Speaking to Rivals, he revealed where USC stands and his thoughts on head coach Lincoln Riley.

"It means a lot; it's a blessing for sure to have Lincoln Riley to think I'm one of the top guys for him," Houston said. "Just the history he has with quarterbacks, Kyler Murray, Baker [Mayfield], just to name a few that I've watched. It means a lot, and that relationship there is definitely strong, too."

His relationships with top college quarterbacks speak for themselves, particularly during his time at the University of Oklahoma as both an offensive coordinator and head coach.

Riley has continued his success with college quarterbacks, with Caleb Williams the latest to head to the NFL. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft followed the former Oklahoma head coach to the Trojans in 2022. He has also kept on track successfully recruiting quarterbacks, bringing in five-star recruit Husan Longstreet from the 2025 class, and currently has four-star 2026 talent Jonas Williams.

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

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