USC football will be under overwhelming pressure to make clear progress in their second season in the Big Ten Conference, but before the heat turns up, fans could take delight in the team’s recruiting success. While the program respectably ranks in the top 15 in the country for its newest class, its 2026 haul of prospects currently stands above all others, according to On3.com.
And the Trojans are staying aggressive. They secured a commitment from four-star defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound prospect out of Richardson, Texas received offers from the Longhorns, Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, SMU, Arizona State and Miami, among others. But he has his sights on Los Angeles.
Winfield slots in as the No. 9 DL in the 2026 class and is ranked No. 73 overall, per On3. His arrival, assuming he does not have a change of heart in the next several months, continues a busy recruiting period for head coach Lincoln Riley. Although he must answer questions regarding his quarterback situation– Jayden Maiava and five-star freshman Husan Longstreet figure to compete for the job– bolstering the defense remains a primary focus.
USC football trying to properly acclimate itself to the Big Ten’s defensive style
USC made strides on that side of the ball in 2024, but it still allowed the fourth-most yards per game in the Big Ten (377.1). Adjusting to the physicality of this league is difficult for any newcomer, let alone a Pac-12 staple. Riley may need to redefine how he coaches if he wants to achieve genuine success in the arduous conference. Well, bringing in highly touted defensive players is definitely a fine way to start.
If the Trojans can get to the opposing quarterback with consistency, the team will attain essential balance. Jaimeon Winfield looks to do just that beginning in 2026, but USC football is first counting on its current roster to win the battle in the trenches this year. We shall soon see if a new day will indeed dawn at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
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