Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC Makes Early Attempt to Recruit 2027 Star on SEC Radar

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated May 16, 2025 3:06 PM ET

The USC Trojans are pulling double duty on the recruiting trail. They're stockpiling the 2026 class still, but making a run at rising 2027 talent too -- including one on the SEC radar.

USC rose as the first west coast offer for Karon Eugene, a four-star out of Catholic High School in New Iberia, Louisiana. Eugene's Trojans offer arrived on Friday morning, he revealed on X.

Eugene is already coveted by one SEC powerhouse. Texas A&M entered his picture back on Jan. 31 of 2025. The Aggies emerged as his first official offer from the prestigious conference. But now USC reshapes his offer list.

The Trojans aren't just Eugene's first scholarship opportunity via the Pacific time zone. USC also shows up as his first Big Ten possibility.

The Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley are prioritizing Eugene's home state on the recruiting trail already, though. USC landed prized four-star Jahkeem Stewart via the 2025 class. Stewart starred for Edna Karr High in New Orleans. The defensive lineman just wrapped up his first spring football practices with USC.

USC then received a verbal commitment from another Louisiana star, but for the '26 class. Wide receiver Roderick Tezeno verbally committed to Riley and the Trojans on April 30. Wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons is credited for helping win over Tezeno. The 6-foot-2 wide receiver stars for Opelousas Catholic School and is a four-star per the 247Sports composite rankings.

Eugene, meanwhile, sits at seven total offers. He's also the son of former Oakland Raiders safety Hiram Eugene, who starred at Louisiana Tech before his NFL career took off.

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

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