Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley made a candid statement about a significant commitment involving a skilled four-star cornerback
Brandon Lockhart, a four-star cornerback recruit from Loyola (Calif.), is wholeheartedly committed to USC. The Los Angeles native began attracting national attention as a freshman and officially pledged to USC in October 2023 during his sophomore year.
Even though he received offers from the previous coaching staff at USC, Lockhart has remained steadfast in his commitment. He is focused on recruiting fellow players to help restore USC to its former glory, reminiscent of the era when Pete Carroll was head coach.
“When you look back, years ago, under Pete Carroll, USC recruited top high schools like Mater Dei,” Lockhart shared with 247Sports. “You saw kids from areas like Watts and Compton committing. They created a pipeline to USC that was built on keeping talent local.”
Lockhart has been dedicated to USC for nearly a year and a half, despite attempts by schools like Oregon, Texas A&M, and Georgia to recruit him away from his hometown team.
“I’ve only taken one official visit, and that’s to USC,” Lockhart shared with 247Sports. “I’m definitely committed.”
During the Trojans’ Junior Day, Lockhart actively encouraged local top-tier prospects to come to Los Angeles. He remains the primary recruiter for the 2026 class this spring and delivers a compelling message
“I look at these high schools and think, ‘You love your family and your home, so why not stay local for college?’” Lockhart told 247Sports. “I often discuss the recruiting board with the coaches and [Chad] Bowden about which players we want to target. It’s a straightforward approach. Why not play for one of the best schools in the nation right here at home?”
“Kids are beginning to understand that if they stay local, they’ll learn much faster than if they go to places like Alabama or somewhere else. They’d be ahead in their development. USC is right in your backyard, so you can visit anytime. You can learn the plays and observe practices even before becoming a player. There are so many benefits to playing close to home, and kids are starting to see that. Clearly, the recruiting class is shaping up to be incredible,” Lockhart added.
USC currently has 15 commitments and is recognized as having the top-ranked recruiting class across all recruiting websites. Among these commitments, nine are from California.
Since taking on his role in late January, general manager Chad Bowden’s recruitment strategy has been straightforward: attract the best talent the state offers to USC.
“We’re not going to let any program in the nation overshadow us. We’ll be proactive and strategic, and anyone who competes with us in recruiting will quickly realize they’re in for a challenge,” Bowden stated.
Lockhart isn’t the only one stepping up in recruiting efforts; four-star edge Simote Katoanga from Santa Margarita (California), four-star quarterback Jonas Williams from Lincoln-Way East (Illinois), and three-star player Madden Riordan from Sierra Canyon (California) have all been outspoken in their efforts to attract top prospects for the 2026 class.
“Let’s change the narrative and create something remarkable,” Katoanga expressed to USC Trojans On SI. “We want to be the historic class that people will remember for years, the one that brings a national championship back to USC and LA.”
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