The Navy All-American Bowl is set to take place on January 10, featuring several top high school football recruits making crucial commitment announcements. Among them, the USC Trojans are working to solidify their 2027 recruiting class by targeting key players. Reports suggest that two four-star prospects are considering the Trojans strongly: cornerback Aaryn Washington and edge rusher Taven Epps.
USC Trojans Lead Race for Aaryn Washington
Aaryn Washington stands out as one of the premier recruits in the 2027 class. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, he is ranked as the No. 80 recruit nationally, the No. 9 cornerback, and the No. 9 player in California. As a Mater Dei High School athlete, Washington has been heavily pursued by USC.
His top five prospective schools include USC, Nebraska, Ohio State, Washington, and Alabama. Recent reports indicate that USC has a favorable position in his recruitment, largely due to the efforts of the coaching staff.
Coaching Influence
- Trovon Reed, USC’s cornerbacks coach, is the primary recruiter for Washington.
- Defensive backs coach Doug Belk has also contributed significantly to the recruitment efforts.
The Trojans’ recruiting success is partly attributed to their focus on in-state talent, with 57% of the 2026 class hailing from California. Notably, Washington’s ties to Mater Dei make him a prime candidate to remain in-state for his college career.
USC Trojans Still in the Running for Taven Epps
Taven Epps, another highly rated recruit from California, is also on USC’s radar. Ranked as the No. 103 recruit nationally, the No. 14 EDGE player, and the No. 11 prospect in California, Epps has been generating significant interest after his decommitment from the Texas Longhorns.
His final four schools include USC, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma. Although OU may be the current favorite, USC aims to leverage its in-state appeal. Epps visited the Trojans in the fall and expressed enthusiasm about the campus environment and coaching staff.
Recruiting Momentum
The USC Trojans aim to secure at least one commitment from this class during the Navy All-American Bowl weekend. Current expectations are heightened as Trojan’s 2026 recruiting class already holds the top ranking, positioning USC well for future seasons.
As the Trojans continue to build momentum, the outcomes of commitments from Washington and Epps could significantly impact their efforts in the 2027 recruiting cycle.
