Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lincoln Riley's 2026 class grows with addition of local LB

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated May 12, 2025 8:59 PM ET

USC head coach Lincoln Riley is building an extremely strong 2026 recruiting class, and it just got even stronger.

If in-state recruiting is vital, even for a program like USC, landing the recruits who are literally in your backyard is even more important.

That's what makes the commitment of three-star linebacker Taylor Johnson such a big one for Riley and USC. Johnson is from San Bernardino, California, and goes to Cajon High School. That's a two-hour drive from USC in LA's infamous rush hour traffic.

Johnson had 12 intriguing offers, so he could have chosen a number of places to call home in college, but he decided to stay near home and play for the Trojans.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 LB Taylor Johnson has Committed to USC, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’2 203 LB from San Bernardino, CA chose the Trojans over Arizona & Oregon State

“CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Fight On!”https://t.co/WW1qJE21GC pic.twitter.com/0wErQx0F4i
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 12, 2025

Johnson is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker recruit, ranked as the No. 90 linebacker in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.

He committed to USC over offers from Arizona, Cal, West Virginia, San Diego State and others. Notably, it didn't take him long to decide for Riley and his staff. The Trojans offer on May 7.

He's now pledged to Riley's epic 2026 class.

It's a class that's currently ranked No. 1 in the nation with 28 commitments. The headliners are five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin and five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe. Griffin is the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. Pepe is the No. 3 offensive tackle nationally.

Johnson notched 174 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks as a junior for Cajon High School. His senior season will be one to watch.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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