USC Football Recruiting 2022: Top Commitments Landed, Recruit Predictions
The USC Trojans have had a fantastic season in 2022, even though they fell short of making the College Football Playoff. After a dismal 4-8 campaign in 2021, the Trojans bounced back with an 11-2 record and an appearance in the Pac-12 title game.
Up next for USC is a matchup with Tulane in the Cotton Bowl on January 2.
This week, though, the Trojans will take a brief break from bowl-game preparations to focus on their 2023 roster. The early national signing period kicks off on Wednesday, and the Trojans will look to build on what they've accomplished this year.
Unsurprisingly, USC's bounceback season has generated plenty of recruiting interest. Heading into early signing day, USC has landed 20 commits and the nation's No. 13 recruiting class. Things could change, of course, in the coming days.
Below, you'll find a look at the latest buzz surrounding prospects who are expected to make their decisions this week. We'll also highlight some of USC's top commits and make a few predictions about the incoming class.
Top Commitments
Much of USC's success this season can be attributed to the strong play of quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. While the former Oklahoma transfer should lead the Trojans for at least another season, USC is already working on a succession plan.
Five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson—the third-ranked overall recruit—headlines USC's list of early commits. He'll be joined by fellow 5-star recruit and Los Alamitos teammate, wide receiver Makai Lemon. Bishop Gorman receiver Zachariah Branch rounds out the Trojans' list of committed 5-star recruits.
The Trojans have a number of 4-star recruits, though, including edge-rusher Braylan Shelby, linebacker Tackett Curtis, running back Quinten Joyner and offensive tackle Elijah Paige.
USC should add plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. However, its list of offensive commitments truly stands out. With offensive guru Lincoln Riley now running the show in Los Angeles, the Trojans could have one of the nation's top offenses in the not-too-distant future.
Announcements to Watch
The Trojans are waiting for a decision from 5-star tight end Duce Robinson, who would add tremendously to USC"s bright offensive future. The 6'6", 229-pound pass-catcher looks set to be a difference-maker at the college level.
"His athleticism allows him to line up in the slot, outside and in the core of the formation to be a constant threat against the defense and provide mismatches that can be exploited," Chris Singletary of 247Sports wrote. "Whether it's a corner, linebacker or safety covering him, Robinson's chance to win are far greater than those of his opponent."
Robinson is expected to decide between USC, Georgia, Alabama, Texas and Oregon.
St. John Bosco edge-rusher Matayo Uiagalelei is another recruit USC should be eager to get. The 6'5", 265-pound prospect could be a defensive game-wrecker at the next level, and he'd be a fine fit next to players like Branch and Shelby.
One potential factor to consider is that Uiagalelei's brother, former Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, is in the transfer portal. If the brothers are hoping to play together, that could work against USC, which is presumably eying Nelson as Williams' successor.
Uiagalelei is being pursued by USC, Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama and Arizona.
Recruit Predictions
Robinson and Uiagalelei—both 5-star recruits—would be tremendous additions to the Trojans roster. However, landing the pair of playmakers won't be easy.
Robinson is widely not expected to sign until February, and Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports believes that Georgia is the favorite to land him.
"I think Georgia is the program to beat right now for Duce Robinson," Wiltfong told 247Sports' Emily Proud. "I think that Texas is a program that he's also very intrigued with."
However, Wiltfong also noted that Robinson could wait to see how the coaching carousel unfolds before making a decision. With Riley entrenched and a great quarterback situation at USC, the prediction here is that Robinson does ultimately land with the Trojans.
According to Garrick Hodge of Eleven Warriors, Ohio State is making a strong late push for Uiagalelei.
"OSU visited Uiagalelei this week and the Buckeyes are doing everything they can to secure the 5-star California target," Hodge wrote.
Between Ohio State's pursuit and the likelihood that D.J. Uiagalelei doesn't pick USC, our guess is that the pass-rusher is one 5-star recruit that the Trojans will miss out on signing.
*Recruiting information via 247Sports.