USC Trojans have a legit chance at landing one of the best players in the 2027 class even though they’re across the country from him

The USC Trojans could land 2027 four-star and top-30 recruit Mekai Brown, who is down to five schools in his recruitment. The 6’6 EDGE is elite.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Lincoln Riley USC Trojans head coach 2027 recruiting class top five Mekai Brown
Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches in the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans have been the best recruiting team in the country over the last few years. It means nothing if they’re not winning football games, though.

However, how do you win football games in today’s day and age? With the best players and best coaches. You have to get the players, and USC is getting that part of the equation done, for the most part. Their 2027 recruiting class is currently fifth in the country, with the potential to be first. They could land a top-30 player to climb their way up the rankings.

USC Trojans land in the top five of the elite 2027 recruit

Mekai Brown, a 2027 edge rusher from Connecticut, recently put the Trojans in his top five, not long after USC just landed a big-time commitment from Javon Vital, a three-star RB who most think will be a four-star by the time he gets on campus. He’s a top-30 player in the country. Brown is currently a four-star, but is projected to be a five-star at some point during his recruitment.

Brown has interest from just about every elite school in the country, so of course, the Trojans are in play here. However, those across the country are at a disadvantage right now.

“I’ve been getting out and seeing a lot of schools, Brown told Rivals. “That’s helped me figure out what I like and what fits me. Those visits have given me a clearer picture of what each program is about. I’m paying attention to how the coaches are, how they develop players, and the culture around the program. That’s what stands out when you’re there.”

Brown has taken a ton of visits so far, with Rutgers leading with four. Then Penn State and Boston College follow, showing that the closer schools to his area have a huge advantage. The Trojans are in his top five, along with Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Ohio State. Of those schools, Rivals has OSU as the favorite, with USC having the second-best odds to land the 6’6, 240-pound edge.

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