USC Trojans hosting impressive collection of top recruits this weekend

The USC Trojans are hosting a talented collection of high school football players this weekend for their second game of the season.

Under Lincoln Riley, USC has once again become a formidable force on the recruiting trail, particularly when it comes to the offensive side of the ball.

This week, the Trojans host a balanced visitor list with bluechip talent flocking to Los Angeles.

4-star LB Chris Cole (Salem; Virginia) — The nation’s No. 51 overall prospect and No. 4 linebacker is arguably the headliner of this weekend's visit list.

Cole is believed to be a Georgia lean, but is clearly checking out his (many) options.

A big visit to Los Angeles could make things more interesting. 

4-star TE Walter Matthews (Hiram; Georgia; Committed to USC) — Rated as highly as the nation’s No. 2 tight end and a consensus top-150 prospect nationally, Walter Matthews holds offers from Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, USC and many others.

He's committed to USC and is a key part of the 2024 class. 

4-star WR Xavier Jordan (Sierra Canyon; California; Committed to USC) — As is often the case around the country, local commits frequently flock to games on the weekend.

Xavier Jordan, the nation's No. 54 overall prospect, is expected to support his future teammates. 

4-star CB Marcelles Williams (St. John Bosco; California; Committed to USC) — Versatile, talented defensive back Marcelles Williams, the nation's No. 7 cornerback, will also make the short trip t campus. 

4-star WR Phillip Bell (Mission Viejo; California; 2025) — A borderline five-star recruit. Phillip Bell is rated as highly as the nation's No. 29 overall prospect and No. 5 wide receiver in the 2025 class. 

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound pass-catcher has already racked up nearly 40 offers - Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and others.

USC is a top contender for his services and will be one to watch until the end. 

4-star TE Bear Tenney (Lovejoy; Texas; 2025) — Rivals considers Bear Tenney to be the No. 3 tight end nationally and he has more than 30 offers to his name.

4-star LB Christian Thatcher (Arbor View; Nevada; 2025) — Rated as highly as the nation’s No. 2 linebacker in the class of 2025, Christian Thatcher holds nearly 30 scholarship offers already.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound 'backer is being recruited by Michigan State, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC and many others. 

"It’s USC," he said. "It’s the best of the best. I’m excited to come meet everyone and see it all." 

3-star DL Hayden Lowe (Oaks Christian; California: 2025) — Don’t be fooled by the three-star rating, Hayden Lowe can flat-out play.

And he has the offer sheet to prove it.

Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, USC, Utah, Washington and many others have already entered the mix.

Oaks Christian is once again loaded with talent, so USC building a pipeline to the school could pay dividends on multiple fronts in the coming years. 

4-star QB Helaman Casuga (Timpview; Utah; 2026) — USC already has the top player in 2026 committed and ready to roll in Carrollton (Georgia) quarterback Julian Lewis.

But he may reclassify into 2025.

Enter Helaman Casuga, the nation's No. 6 quarterback in 2026.

Casuga's recruitment is just getting started, but USC has already made an early impression.

3-star RB Karson Cox (Oak Hills; California: 2025) — Karson Cox is a dynamic three-star ball-carrier with early offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and others.