The USC Trojans are currently leading the recruiting class rankings for the 2026 cycle. They have secured 14 commitments, with nine of those coming from California. The Trojans are also focusing on another highly regarded prospect from the state, five-star tight end Mark Bowman from Mater Dei (Calif.).
During his sophomore year with the top high school football team, Bowman recorded 32 catches for 435 yards and eight touchdowns across 12 games.
The top tight end in the 2026 cycle visited the campus this week for an unofficial trip as USC works to keep this sought-after local talent from leaving Southern California. The Trojans have made significant additions to their front office and coaching staff this offseason to improve their chances of attracting elite recruits from their area
Chad Bowden, who joined USC from Notre Dame as the general manager, is focusing on attracting California talent. Chad Savage, previously from Colorado State, has taken on the role of tight ends and inside receivers coach. Savage is known as an “elite recruiter” with strong connections in Southern California.
“My relationship with coach Savage is fantastic,” Bowman shared with 247Sports. “They emphasize that I’m a crucial part of their 2026 class and a top priority.”
“I believe they are assembling an impressive class. It’s definitely beneficial to join a school with other outstanding players, and I know they’ll consistently have a top quarterback,” Bowman added.
Bowman is among several elite recruits who have moved up from the 2027 to the 2026 recruiting class in recent weeks. While reclassifying has long been a trend in basketball, it’s now starting to gain traction in football as well. This shift has accelerated Bowman’s recruitment, and he plans to announce his commitment later this summer.
Bowman is set to begin his official visit to USC on June 17, coinciding with his high school teammate, four-star defensive lineman, and Oregon commit Tomuhini Topui.
Topui visited USC this week alongside Bowman as the Trojans aim to sway the highly pursued prospect. This marks Topui’s second visit to USC since the beginning of the year; he was previously present at a star-studded Junior Day event hosted by the Trojans in early
Bowman and Topui are among a select group of recruits from Mater Dei that the Trojans are targeting for the upcoming recruiting class. Other key names include five-star wide receiver and Ohio State commit Chris Henry Jr., four-star offensive tackle and Oregon commit Kodi Greene, four-star receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, four-star linebacker Shaun Scott, and three-star safety CJ Lavender.
Henry and Dixon-Wyatt attended Junior Day and have scheduled their official visits with USC for the summer. Greene intends to visit the campus this spring and has also confirmed his official visit for June. Scott was on campus last week and is planning to return in the spring. Lavender included the Trojans in his top six after narrowing his list in mid-February
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