USC Trojans Offer Elite 2027 Defensive Lineman

The offer arrived moments after USC promoted Skyler Jones to defensive tackles coach. Jones, alongside defensive line coach Shaun Nua, personally delivered the news to Vandermade, marking an exciting step for the Trojans’ defensive line rebuilding efforts under head coach Lincoln Riley.

Who Is Isaia Vandermade?

Vandermade, a 6’4″, 270-pound defensive tackle (with room to add more weight), is currently rated as a three-star prospect and ranked No. 73 among defensive linemen in the 2027 class. However, Dyrud argues he’s underrated and has clear four-star upside as his recruitment heats up.

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Coming off a standout junior season, Vandermade anchored Santa Margarita’s defense during a dominant run:

• The team won their final six games.
• Captured the CIF title.
• Secured a state championship.

His production peaked in high-stakes matchups:

• 9 sacks total, with 8 coming in the last three games against elite competition.
• In the CIF title game at the Rose Bowl against Centennial, Vandermade was the standout defensive player, consistently disrupting runs and collapsing the pocket to prevent passes.

Dyrud draws favorable comparisons to current 2026 USC defensive lineman TomTom Topui, who entered as a three-star recruit before flipping commitments and eventually earning a fourth star.

Family Ties and Emotional Impact

The offer carries extra weight due to Vandermade’s deep USC connections. His father, Lenny Vandermade, was an offensive lineman at USC and later served as a coach. Currently the offensive coordinator at Santa Margarita, Lenny’s history adds a personal layer to the recruitment.

In a post-offer quote shared in the video from a Rivals article by Greg Biggins, Isaia described the moment as “surreal”:

“Man, that was a surreal moment for me for sure,” Vandermade said. “Growing up, my dad didn’t just play at USC, he coached there for 10 years too.

“I’ve always been around USC and grew up idolizing the players. Coach Nua is the one who called me, and then he put me on the phone with coach (Skyler) Jones, and he offered me. It’s definitely a huge blessing.”

Current Recruitment Landscape

Vandermade already holds offers from programs like Cal, Oregon, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. Oregon appears to be a current leader, but USC’s late entry—combined with local ties, the family legacy, and potential NIL opportunities—positions the Trojans as serious contenders.

Dyrud highlights Vandermade as a priority target in the trenches, where USC needs reinforcements for the 2027 class. While higher-profile defensive line prospects (such as Marcus Fakatou, trending toward Notre Dame, or Jalen Brewster) may demand bigger NIL packages, Vandermade represents high-value, in-state talent with immediate upside.

Vandermade has mentioned plans for official visits to Oregon, BYU, Arizona, and potentially Oklahoma and USC, keeping the door wide open.

Why This Offer Matters For USC’s Future

In the trenches-heavy Big Ten, building a strong defensive front is crucial for sustained success. Landing a local, high-motor prospect like Vandermade could provide depth, leadership, and production early in his career while boosting USC’s recruiting momentum in California.

Dyrud emphasizes this as a smart, strategic move for Lincoln Riley’s staff—capitalizing on timing, relationships, and regional pride to land a player who could rise significantly in rankings.

For the latest on USC Trojans recruiting, film breakdowns, and more, check out the full video: The USC Trojans Just Offered One Of My Favorite 2027 Defensive Prospects. Subscribe to USC LAFB for ongoing coverage of USC football news, recruiting intel, and analysis.