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USC Trojans flip 2026 CB Jayden Crowder from Cal Golden Bears

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 9:38 PM ET

Jayden Crowder is a 3-star cornerback from Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

He had been committed to the Cal Golden Bears for some time. In fact, his commitment had lasted for almost a year, which is an eternity in today's college football recruiting environment.

Crowder committed to Cal in November of 2024, but an offer from the USC Trojans on Oct. 11, 2025 really shook things up. He was on campus for a huge recruiting weekend at USC as the Trojans beat the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines, and that visit was enough to get him to change his long-standing commitment to the Golden Bears.

He decommitted on Wednesday.

"The environment was great, and the stadium was packed," Crowder told 247Sports of his visit. "The fans did their job because the stadium was loud at moments. The team played great, and the defense was flying around. It was a physical game, and you didn't think USC could do that to Michigan. The fans were crazy, the coaches and the players brought that energy, so it was a great game to go to."

On Thursday, Crowder announced his commitment to USC.

the pLAce to be ✌ @uscfb @USC_Athletics #FightOn https://t.co/9VBrNSxfuw
— Jayden A. Crowder (@JaydenCrowder_) October 16, 2025

USC Trojans pick up versatile defensive back Jayden Crowder

According to 247Sports, Crowder is the No. 62-ranked cornerback in the 2026 class. He checks in at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds and has a versatile play-making ability.

Crowder can play cornerback on the boundary but he's also comfortable getting into the slot and playing nickel.

That's something that USC can see him doing in the future at the college level.

"Yeah, they mentioned that I'm a versatile athlete, and that's what they love about me," Crowder said. "I played nickel at Mater Dei my sophomore season, so my playing nickel and cornerback is something they know I'm capable of."

USC head coach Lincoln Riley is loading up on defensive backs in this class, so just add Crowder to the bunch. In fact, Riley is loading up in general.

Crowder is USC's 34th 2026 commitment in a class that's ranked No. 1 nationally. He's USC's seventh 2026 secondary commitment.

The 3-star played two years at Santa Ana Mater Dei High School in California before transferring to Santa Margarita Catholic High School before his junior season.

In 2025, Crowder has notched 19 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interceptions, five passes defended and a blocked field goal in seven games played.

Andrew Kulha

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

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