Sophomore Talent Predicts National Championship for USC 'in Next Couple of Years'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 4:33 PM ET

The USC Trojans have re-won local talent on the recruiting trail. The 2026 class currently features 15 players from Southern California.

Now a rising sophomore gave a stirring take of the Trojans. Believing a national championship is coming "in the next couple of year."

Ace Leutele is climbing on recruiting boards as a 2028 prospect. He told Jarrett Perez of 247Sports Monday that USC is already on him. Claiming they've been keeping in touch with one another. Leutele already stars for renown California powerhouse Mater Dei High in Santa Ana at safety.

So why does he believe a 12th national title is coming to the Land of Troy?

"Just seeing what they're doing right now with the 2026 class by building it with our community, I could see USC winning a national championship in the next couple of years," Leutele said. "I feel like they're building something special."

Leutele cites cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed and safeties coach Doug Belk as his primary recruiters.

"I'm looking forward to building it into a strong relationship," he said. "We just had a workout over there not too long ago. I could feel the Cali connection coming in. That's for sure one of my top schools."

He adds that his cousins Viane Talamaivao and Kyron Hudson played for USC. He's even worked out with past USC star and leading wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons Drake London. Leutele additionally loves the fact some of his Monarch teammates are committed there now. A la Tomuhini Topui, Mark Bowman and Shaun Scott.

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

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