USC Shocks Rising 2027 Talent With Sudden Offer

"Coach [Anthony] Jones came out to practice, and I've been talking to him for like a month now, and he got in contact with my coach to start that relationship first. Then he called me the week before and asked for my practice schedule, and he would try to come out one of those days," Stokes shared. 

Then Stokes and Jones began to build a rapport with one another. That included connecting with USC via FaceTime. 

"It was great to meet him and see him at practice. After practice when I was actually on the phone with my mom and dad, he told me to FaceTime them, and that was actually when I was offered. It was just amazing hearing that, and it was an awesome experience," Stokes said. "Growing up, I've always been a fan of USC."

The Trailblazers star adds Jones "likes my speed and vision." Stokes scored nine touchdowns and averaged 9.7 yards per game last season, per MaxPreps. Stokes also averaged more than nine yards a catch as a receiver. He compiled 1,084 total yards from scrimmage. Stokes believes Jones is already winning him over. 

Sierra Canyon already has a past Trailblazers star on board for the top-ranked 2026 class. Madden Riordan is verbally committed as a cornerback. 

USC still faces challengers in attempting to land Stokes. He's reeled in offers from Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State and rival UCLA.