Alright, let’s talk about Cali recruiting. USC fans have been waiting for that one move, that one statement recruit, that one ‘oh, they really about it’ moment to signal that Lincoln Riley’s program isn’t just another hype train running on empty. And now? Oh, it’s getting spicy. The Trojans are making waves, throwing punches, and looking straight at Brian Kelly’s LSU like, ‘Yeah, we coming for that No. 1 spot.’ But is it all smoke, or is USC actually ready to put their foot down and finish what they started?

The 2026 recruiting battle is already a war zone, and USC is throwing haymakers. The Trojans are dead set on flipping the script with 5-star cornerback Brandon Arrington, the nation’s No. 1 lockdown DB. Standing at 6-foot-2.5, 180 pounds, this CB is a walking no-fly zone. Arrington returned to USC’s campus on Tuesday, and let’s just say—he got the red-carpet treatment. “It was a good experience,” Arrington’s father said. “Coach Belk and Coach Lynn and Coach Riley, them three guys—they’re good dudes.” Now, look, when a parent drops a casual “good dudes,” that’s code for “Yeah, I trust these guys with my son’s future.” Arrington’s pops doubled down and kept it real: “USC is one of the tops”

Look, USC isn’t just fighting off scrubs, though. Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas A&M are all in the mix, but Arrington is vibing with USC’s vision. His dad made it clear: NFL development is the priority, and defensive backs coach Doug Belk’s track record speaks for itself. “Coach Lynn has been in the league, and that’s where Brandon wants to go,” Arrington Sr. explained. “He understands what it takes to get there.That’s what I want for him. That’s his ultimate goal at the end of the day.”

But here’s where it gets even juicier. USC is currently sitting at No. 2 in the On3 recruiting rankings, just a few decimal points behind LSU. The Tigers snatched the No. 1 spot after landing five-star receiver Tristen Keys. Right now, USC’s class is sitting at 94.053 points in the On3 rankings with 16 recruits, including 10 four-stars and 5 three-stars. LSU? 94.174. It’s close. Too close. But if USC locks in on Arrington? Oh, it’s game over.

Can USC and Lincoln Riley finish the job this time?

A year ago, USC was riding high with multiple five-star commitments, including three elite defensive linemen. But just like that—gone. By signing day, the Trojans had slipped to No. 14, with only one five-star, quarterback Husan Longstreet, actually signing—after a last-minute flip from Julian Lewis, who chose Colorado instead. Not exactly a confidence boost.

Now, USC low-key focused on rebuilding its defensive identity. With four-star cornerbacks RJ Sermons and Brandon Lockhart already on board, Arrington stands out as the crown jewel. This time around, the Trojans are playing chess, not checkers—and their ace in the hole? Chad Bowden.

If you don’t know Chad Bowden, you’re about to. USC lured him away from Notre Dame, where he built a defense-heavy roster that reached the College Football Playoff. The dude is a recruiting assassin, and he’s not here for small talk. “We’re going to take the most high school kids this place has ever taken this year,” Bowden told 247Sports. “I truly believe a culture can be built through recruiting, and it can be done, especially when they’re from high school.”

Translation? USC is done with the short-term fixes. Lincoln Riley’s first few seasons relied heavily on the transfer portal—65 transfers in four years. That’s cool for a quick patch-up job, but USC wants longevity. Bowden is pushing for more high school recruits, more player development, and a long-term vision that actually sticks.

So, what’s the move? Arrington has Texas A&M up next on his visit list, and after that, he’s trimming his choices down to four before committing. USC is in the mix, but they have to close. They have to lock it in. No more almosts. No more “we were this close.” If they get it done, LSU’s going to be looking over their shoulder. And if they don’t? Well, it’s just another what-could-have-been moment for Trojan fans.