USC has made headlines once again in the recruiting landscape, this time landing a commitment from five-star tight end Mark Bowman, who hails from Santa Ana’s Mater Dei and is recognized as the top player at his position in this recruiting cycle. With this latest addition, the Trojans bolster their class, which has now reclaimed its spot at the top of the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, showcasing USC’s relentless pursuit of premier talent.
Earlier in the day, the Trojans hinted at the impending commitment and even took a playful jab at a Big Ten rival, further fueling the competitive fire in college football recruiting. The backdrop to this excitement was Oregon’s unexpected loss of five-star EDGE Richard Wesley, who had only pledged to the Ducks 17 days prior. Ironically, his celebration was a memorable pool jump with Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, a moment that has since taken on added significance in the wake of his quick change of heart.
Not long before Bowman made his commitment official, the USC Football account shared a humorous clip from the movie “Anchorman,” which seemed to take a direct hit at Lanning and the hasty shift that left Oregon reeling.
As USC continues to gain momentum in the recruiting arena, they have consistently outmaneuvered Oregon. Earlier in the cycle, the Trojans flipped top-100 quarterback Jonas Williams from the Ducks, following that up with another victory by snatching four-star defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui away from Oregon.
For Williams, building the right relationships was key in his decision. “My favorite things that excite me are the relationships I’ve built with Coach Riley, (Luke) Huard, and GM Chad Bowden,” he shared. “Knowing that this offense will fit my playing style is reassuring.”
Bowman, who had Oregon high on his list during his recruitment, ultimately chose to stay in Southern California. He left a powerful message for the top prospects in the Golden State after announcing his commitment: “Come join the family. We are taking over the city! All of the talent that’s here, we gotta bring it to USC.”
With the momentum they’ve built, the Trojans are not just creating a robust class—they’re crafting a narrative that could redefine the college football landscape in the years to come.
