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2027 R Class

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    • March 5, 2026 at 3:42 pm #10527
      Butkus51
      Participant

      Bruddah Balls since you’re our R info guy why is USC slow and not on with top players in many positions?  I’ve been following TOS recruiting paged and notice dat USC is doing poorly in these areas, OL, QB, RB, LB, TE, Edge.  USC has made offers, but the top players in these positions are showing no to little interest in USC?   The top players have other schools on their short list.  Shoot last year USC shot out the gate fast and secured top players early.

      You said dat the class is gonna be small (18 players), so be it, but the class must have the very top players.  At this time, it does not look good for the 2027 class for quality and top players at many positions.  So what’s up with the slow play by USC and GM Bowden?  Is money the issue again?

      Looks like USC will do well landing very good players in DB’s, WR’s, DL positions…  Cheers

    • March 5, 2026 at 5:25 pm #10528
      BigBalls
      Participant

      You are correct my Bruddah, we are off to a slow start. I will post an update on a QB target and a few others later after I get more information. We are seeing some recruits make their way to practice this week and we will be seeing a few more targets visit later.

      • March 5, 2026 at 8:36 pm #10538
        Butkus51
        Participant

        Thanxs Bruddah.  Dang things are kinda off with USC’s, 2027 R class.  There has to be a reason, no?  OK, please update us with any good R news.

        For QB I feel, C. LR should go after Dane Weber, Chaparral HS, Wr Woodard’s teammate.  10 days ago, I posted his Jr season HL tap;  he is an impressive QB and should fit well with C. LR O system…  Cheers

    • March 5, 2026 at 11:03 pm #10540
      LA Duck
      Participant

      Can I be a Bruddah too, or do I need to be a Trojan first?  🙂

      • March 6, 2026 at 3:35 am #10549
        BigBalls
        Participant

        Absolutely, bring the pakalolo and you’re in🫡

      • March 6, 2026 at 7:36 pm #10583
        LA Duck
        Participant

        lol….ya gotta give me a harder task than that!!!

      • March 6, 2026 at 1:49 pm #10558
        Butkus51
        Participant

        LA Duck, first you must buy me a 6 pack Primo beer + a plate of fried Saimin noodles from Kanda’s, Aiea, Oahu.  Nah, you one good Bruddah too + Sawtooth and even Tee (grumpy Bruddah, lol)…  Cheers

        PS. Oh, like Bruddah Balls said, one big bag Pakalolo from da Big Island…

      • March 6, 2026 at 7:37 pm #10584
        LA Duck
        Participant

        Consider it done, Bruddah Butkus!

        – Bruddaduck

    • March 6, 2026 at 2:26 pm #10559
      Butkus51
      Participant

      Oh yeah, looks like C.LR is targeting QB Dane Weber after all.  Yeah after seeing his HL tape, I was totally impressed with Weber.  I hope we get him.

      https://www.si.com/college/usc/football/recruiting-usc-trojans-dane-weber-quarterback-lincoln-riley-visit-jayden-maiava

       

      See and hear this podcaster projected targets for USC’s 2027 class.  Looks good to me.

      Note:  Found out that USC and all other schools have a ceiling, $21 M of NIL spending (new rule change for 2027) and the main reason for da slow play. Schools have to budget correctly and not over pay for any one player.  No wonder the 2026 class was big, USC shot their wad and spend mucho dinero for players.  Yep da slow play is all about NIL and money constraints.  Looks like things are gonna revert like da old times where cheating (secret cash bags were rampant)…  Cheers

      • March 7, 2026 at 8:10 pm #10607
        Java
        Keymaster

        I was waiting for someone to post exactly what you just did.  USC saw the opportunity and spent $$$ in advance when they could.  Might even prevent some transferring in the future as the $$ wont be there in the same volumes.

         

        For 2027 I was wondering if that meant they’d have to be more judicious and it appears that way.

         

        I think they also want to get a feel for how these 2026 recruits are doing on campus to see what they have.  The days of stacking 5 at a position are over so if Bowman is the real deal at TE, Pepe at OT, Wafle at DE then they may spend their limited $ elsewhere.

         

        USC did a great job in 2026 but $$$$$$$$$ helped a lot.

         

        Riley has a lot of experience recruiting positions every OTHER year to create recruiting power and roster comfort.

    • March 12, 2026 at 2:02 pm #10768
      Butkus51
      Participant

      See this podcaster’s Big Board for USC’s 2027 class.  USC top targets are very good players and should get the small 2027 class into top 12 rankings?  Go get um GM Bowden, R staff and coaches.  Click the full page button for bigger graphics.

      His Big Board has 24 top players, however Bruddah Balls said the 2027 class = 18 players.  Dang dat means 6 of these players will not make our 2027 class.  Shoot maybe GM Bowden can stretch it to 20-21 players?

       

      • This reply was modified 3 months ago by Butkus51.
    • March 18, 2026 at 1:24 am #10912
      Butkus51
      Participant

      Dis is my Big Board for OL.

      Drew Fielder, 4* OT, 6-6, 280, Servite HS, Ducks commit, but strong rumors flipping to USC?

      Jake Hildebrand, 4* OT, 6-6, 290, Basha, Az

      Isaiah Bertola, 4* OT, 6-5, 295, Campbell HS (notice he played at Farrington HS last year).  Got to get a Hawaiian OL.

      Jackson Roper, 4*, IOL, 6-4, 290, Cherry Creek, Co

      Lincoln Mageo, 3* IOL, 6-3, 280, Oceanside HS, Ca

      Lucas Rhoa, 3* IOL, 6-5, 280, OLu HS, Ca

      Reis Russell, 3* IOL, 6-3, 270, Valor Christian, Co

      • March 20, 2026 at 7:34 pm #10978
        Java
        Keymaster

        They’ve done a great job recruiting and developing OL the last few years, as the departure of Helton left USC OL cupboard bare.  Helton did a poor job his last two years of big man recruiting.  And Riley tried to solve the problem with the portal.

        This would be 3 years in a row of excellent OL recruiting.  USC has also done fairly well at keeping the good ones.  Couple guys portaled out but this is going to happen.  They kept the top guys and now they have quality youth getting experience and bulking up.

        Look like they are in excellent shape if they get a class like you  project.  I think this fall is the first time I feel like they have a very good OL returning AND some great youth behind them

         

      • March 20, 2026 at 11:58 pm #10987
        Butkus51
        Participant

        Bruddah Java, yeah OLC Zach Hanson has done a great job with da OL unit, both in development and R top players.  Kinda disappointed with veteran OLC Josh Henson who came here with top credentials.

        HC Helton’s,  OLC, Clay McGuire, Tim Drevno, Neil Callaway were average coaches.  No actually Tim Drevno was above average a B grade.  C. Helton era produced some top OL, Alijah Vera Tucker, Austin Jackson, Chuma Edoga, Brett Neilon, Justin Dedich, Johan Monaheim, Adrew Voheees, Jalen Mckenzie, Liam Douglass.

        I believe, Zach Hanson will be the best OLC in da last 15 years…  Cheers

      • March 21, 2026 at 2:16 am #10994
        Java
        Keymaster

        I agree w you but I don’t think Helton left the ol talent or depth on good shape.  I feel like USC has spent the last three or four years, catching up in the talent in depth department, most of the time starting guys who were way too young to be doing this on the top level  And I think it cost them a few games as they always say when you start freshman on the line

         

        I also think that most not all, but most of the transfers they went and got to plug-in, didn’t work out

    • April 11, 2026 at 2:48 pm #11693
      Butkus51
      Participant

      4-11-26

      See the current R rankings.  https://www.on3.com/rivals/rankings/industry-team/football/2027/

      What caught my eye was LSU at #62 = 2 players.  Dang C. Kiffin has a slow start, but some of the top HS players are favoring LSU.  Since his time at Ole Miss, C. Kiffin followed a R strategy of about 50/50, HS/TP.  I like his formula.

      Others.  OU #2 = 20 players, wow they are to a fast start and have 4 top Calif boys. UDub #15 = 11 players, C.Fisch is R well thus far. UCLA #32 = 5, Indiana #34 =4.  Penn St #29 = 5, slow start, normally they are in top 12 by now, Cal #26 = 6, not bad.

      Dang, Stanford is not listed, meaning 0 players?  Stanford board of directors have decided to let their once top, proud FB program turn into a mediocre program.  Read a few years back, they will not be a player in the NIL game.  Sad, Stanford was a national power, winning PAC titles and producing many AA and All PAC players.  I don’t get it, Stanford has a huge endowment and super wealthy alum?  GM Andrew Luck has a difficult job ahead of him…  Cheers

    • April 11, 2026 at 4:49 pm #11696
      Butkus51
      Participant

      4-11-26

      USC HS football, updated and current Big Board-top targets, according to this pod caster.  Looks spot on.  Click the full page button to view his graphics better.   USC has about 9 more players to fill out their 2027 class = 18 players.  I think out of these listed players, USC will go for: 1 QB, 1 TE, 2 OL, 3 DL, 1 LB, 1 DB = 9 players…  Cheers

    • May 6, 2026 at 12:59 pm #12611
      Butkus51
      Participant

      5-5-26

      Saw a Rivals podcast with the host (name?) and guest, Greg Biggins talking about USC 2027 R class.  The host ask Biggins if USC’s small class has any immediate needs?  Biggins replied, the class will be about 16-18 players, so with the 13 commitments C. LR is set and all positions room are good and healthy.  C.LR and AC’s could take their time evaluating players when the season starts up.  There’s no urgency to fill up the remaining opened spots.

      Wow, what a fool, Yes there is a position that need immediate attention:  QB  And, this guy gets paid being a HS FB analyst.  Dam, he kept doing that awful mouth/lips movement (it’s like he’s cleaning his teeth, So Gross).  I can’t stand da guy and his bad FB analysis.  Glad he was not brought back as Spectrum’s HS TV football color announcer/analyst in 2025.  He worked during the entire 2024 season.  He talked so much (motor mouth) dominating the play by play announcer.  Biggins was very annoying.  Shoot, I had a very hard time enjoying the game whenever he worked it…  Cheers

    • May 13, 2026 at 12:25 pm #12894
      Butkus51
      Participant

      5-13-26

      Saw 2 pod-casters shows talking about several big FB schools trying to poach some of our top players.  They weren’t concerned explaining dat GM Bowden has a high success rate in keeping players committed until signing day.  Very good…  Cheers

      • This reply was modified 1 month ago by Butkus51.
      • May 19, 2026 at 4:48 pm #13168
        Brad Stevens
        Participant

        Eli Woodard (WR from Temecula) just de committed.  Looks like Miami will be his new school

      • May 19, 2026 at 7:49 pm #13174
        Butkus51
        Participant

        Aw dat’s too bad.  GM Bowden 1st de-commitment.  No big deal we are loaded at Wr’s.  I’m sure C. LR will find an A+ replacement…  Cheers

        Read dat Woodard asked if he could take a visit and GM Bowden said NO!

        Shoot, there are 4 Wr’s dat are A+ replacements.

        1.  Osani Gayles, 4*, IMG Academy, Fl,  Cali kid, Stockton area

        2.  Razh Zo Edwards, 4*, Grant HS, Sacramento

        3.  Demare Dezeurn, 4*, Westlake HS, Ca (last year Palisades HS).  Committed to OU, but I feel USC can flip him.

        4.  Bayon Harris, 3.5*, East Central HS, Fresno

        • This reply was modified 3 weeks, 6 days ago by Butkus51.
    • May 19, 2026 at 2:06 pm #13164
      Butkus51
      Participant

      With USC’s 2027 class 75% complete, read dat GM Bowden is going hard on the 2028 class.  One podcaster said the 2028 class will be big, 25-28 players.  And, dat C.LR will focus on a top QB…  Cheers

    • May 26, 2026 at 6:13 pm #13376
      Butkus51
      Participant

      USC Visits.  Interesting OV,

      5-28-29-2026.  3 OL USC R hard and wanted badly.

      1.  Isaiah Betola, OL, Hawaii, close one with Cal having a slight lead.  GM Bowden has to reel in dis young Hawaiian to be a Trojan…

      2.  Jackson Roper, OL, Colorado, hmm he’s a UCLA commit and yet visiting USC?

      3.  Reis Russell, OL, Colorado, hmm he’s a UDub commit and yet visiting USC?

       

      6-12-26.  5 players scheduled, but these 2 Wr caught my attention.

      1.  Nick Lennear, 5* Wr, 6-0, 185 lbs, Northwestern HS, Miami, Fl.  Committed to Miami.  It would be a Big pay back if USC flips Lennear; Miami just flipped our Wr- Woodard last week.

      2.  Rahz Zo Edwards, 4*, TE/Wr, 6-6, 210 lbs, Grant Union HS, Sacramento. 95% Cal lean.  Thought USC stopped R Zo awhile back?

    • May 28, 2026 at 9:32 pm #13438
      Brad Stevens
      Participant

      Dane Weber, the QB you really liked, just committed to Kal over ucla and Cincy.

      • May 29, 2026 at 9:49 am #13454
        Butkus51
        Participant

        No surprise with da news.  From what I read and heard from WW’s UCLA board guys, UCLA pretty much dropped or stopped R Weber due his high NIL demands (by his agent).  And, that goes for USC as well.  Both USC and UCLA wanted him, but only at a certain price.  Both schools have moved on DW.

        With GM Bowden R, once a R starts shopping around it turns him off.  Hell, USC did not even offer DW, which tells us where GM Bowden and C. LR felt about him.  Yeah, I wanted him as our QB, behind Jonas Williams.  I think he is a top QB.  But, in the end, USC will get a top QB to secure its QB room and join QB Jonas Williams.  C.LR is a QB guru.

        From what I read and heard C.LR likes to have a 2 year separation with his QB’s.  Jonas Williams = 2026, thus 2028 is the year where C.LR will shop hard for his top QB.  I personally, do not agree with his R strategy.  But, I really think there’s a limit/ceiling with USC NIL collectives check book.  They must have set a Budget for each position NIL valuation and sticking to its guns.  USC will pay for a top QB, but not on an annual basis.  Unlike Ohio St, LSU, Texas, Texas AM, ND, Oregon who pays for a top QB every year and have a 4 deep QB room.

        I produced a report of the top 25 NIL collectives and USC was at #13.  So, USC is not even close to being the top paying dog.  Dat, we are getting top local players who are taking GM Bowden’s good offers (not the very top offers) and sticking with USC, even after schools poaching attempts.  The success with R in the GM Bowden’s era has other reasons besides money: USC has refocused on SS CIF talent, developed solid relationships with HS coaches and players, USC-Los Angeles is local = great weather, many fun things to do, cute chicks, opportunity for family seeing them play for reasonable cost.  Plus, players wanting to get USC back at the top again.

        So in a R battle with several schools,  Cal won & got their 2027 QB, D. Weber is a good one…  Cheers

        PS.  I’m looking forward to seeing Weber play and will watch him every time Cal is on TV.  And, I hope we get da Hawaiian OL, Bertola, again Cal has a slight lead.

        • This reply was modified 2 weeks, 4 days ago by Butkus51.
      • May 29, 2026 at 2:55 pm #13461
        Brad Stevens
        Participant

        Yep, I’d like to get Bertola too.

        I haven’t heard CLR prefers a year gap on recruiting the qb position, nor have I seen any evidence of this in the past.  Unless I’m mistaken, hasn’t Riley recruiting 1 qb every year?  Not sure about 2027.  I just thought he didn’t see a qb he really liked.  Cali doesn’t have even 1 qb ranked in the top 300 in the 2027 class (not usually the case).  I think the kid from HB was the highest ranked Cali qb in 27.  There are 2 ranked qb’s from AZ in 27, but I never heard they had any interest in USC.  It happens.  Who knows.  And I agree, you take a QB every year.  You’ll definitely see more of them transfer with the strategy, but most coaches sign one a year, so QBs should expect this regardless of where they sign.

      • May 30, 2026 at 3:19 pm #13498
        Butkus51
        Participant

        Bruddah Brad, One more thing, I wrote a post about Brady Edmunds, Edison HS, Huntington Beach, Ca, 5-11-26.  See below

        5-11-26.  Thanxs Bruddah RWC for sharing some inside info.  Ah, so Dane Weber is demanding big bucks has become a big problem.  In Dec. 2025 he was an under da radar QB, with a low NIL valuation.  Looks like he hired a savvy agent.  Maybe dat’s the reason USC has not offered yet?  OK, I can accept dat reasoning.  Hele on…

        On QB Brady Edmunds. Hm, UCLA is trying to flip him, but I think he would cost more than Weber?  So, I don’t understand UCLA’s money issue with Weber?  Edmunds, 6-5, 220 lbs, 4 stars, #18 QB N, #1 QB Ca, pro style.  Seen him since his Soph season, he’s a Top pro style QB, does not run out of the pocket but is mobile in the pocket.  I think he is capable running for positive yards (like Maiava).  Brady has a very strong arm, throws 60 yd bombs with ease and throws rockets on medium range (he has all da throws).

        For me, I prefer a DT QB type for the spread O dat most teams run vs a pro style QB.  Dat added dimension of a QB running at times creates a Big Problem for D’s.  Hell, Weber has a strong arm, having all da throws as well.  But, he runs like a RB, strong and very physical runner.  In saying dat, I like Dane Weber over Edmunds.  Shoot da team dat gets Weber is getting one hell of a QB.  Heck, he reminds me of your great QB, Cade McNown but faster…

        Read dat Edmunds is an Ohio St legacy, his grandfather and father played FB for Ohio St.  Brady was brought up as a devout Ohio St fan.  But, for what ever reason, Ohio St is R another QB.  Dat has put Brady’s commitment on shaky grounds.  Can’t blame him & his support team looking at other schools.  If Qhio St gets a 2nd QB commitment, Edmunds is a goner.

        Good luck Bruins, I’m sure you guys will land a top QB for 2027…  Cheers

    • May 29, 2026 at 5:46 pm #13486
      Butkus51
      Participant

      Bruddah Brad, I’ve explain C.LR spacing his top QB’s on 5-16-26 post.  It’s not my theory but a main USC podcaster strong theory.  His reason is dat USC only want/pay 2 high value QB’s on their roster (budget constraints)?  It looks like he’s spot on.  See below.

      5-16-25

      Saw and heard a USC podcaster yestereday, 5-15-26.  He has 4 theories for C.LR and GM Bowden very quiet, slow play in the QB R process.

      1. They want to space a top, pricey QB’s every 2 years and plug in 2 cheap HS or TP QB for backup in between.  Strict budget.  Jonas Williams = 2026 class.  Dat means, C.LR will go hard for the 2028 class.

      2.  They may be targeting a 2027, committed top HS QB for a Big Flip.

      3.  They may wait for the TP and get a QB in Dec 2026.

      4.  They may pass up 2027 altogether and go for a top QB for the 2028, following C.LR idea of spacing his top QB’s.

      So looks like we won’t get 2027, Dane Weber (pricey & interferes with C.LR spacing plan).  My big gripe is, why even R Weber in the 1st place?  Kinda stupid, wasted time & energy for both parties…

    • May 30, 2026 at 4:37 pm #13508
      Butkus51
      Participant

      GM Bowden offering style.  Saw a podcaster show, he said dat when Bowden makes a player a good, solid offer it is good only for dat day.  If the player does not take it and once he leaves the offer is no longer good.  In a way, he’s letting players know dat shopping around is no good with him.  And, if the player comes back, Bowden’s 2nd offer will be much less than his 1st original offer.  With GM Bowden style, he pays well, but despises players, families, agents shopping & looking for the highest bid.

      Heck, GM Bowden does not negotiate in the NIL game.  I think GM Bowden only want FB players dat’s all in and want to be a Trojan.  He wants the ultimate team player.  What ever works for him, can’t criticize his style cause he has brought in top talent and has a solid record so far from players de-committing…  Cheers

       

    • June 4, 2026 at 5:11 pm #13635
      Butkus51
      Participant

      Kinda disappointing in USC 2027 OL R so far.  The projected number was 3 to 4 OL.  Seeing pod casters shows in Jan 2026, there were 12 OL on USC big board.  We got one, Fielder = 8.34%.  The 2nd one, Bertola is like 55% Cal, 45% USC.  So there’s a chance, but from my gut, we’re not getting him.

      Dang, what happened with USC R OL 2027 class?  We had better make it up next year, 2028 class.  Good news we are in on 4 top 2028 OL.

      1.  Austin Attalah, 6-7, 295, 4*, Cajon HS, San Bernardino, #3 OL-T nation, #1 Ca player, USC has a slight lead.

      2.  Lincoln Fa’alafi, 6-8, 350, 4*, J.Serra Catholic, San Juan Capistrano, #8 OL-T nation, #3 Ca player, USC has a slight lead.

      3.  Etisha Mueller, 6-4, 280, 4*, St John Bosco, #8 IOL nation, #6 Ca player, USC has a slight lead.

      4.  Maui Tonata, 6-5, 315, 4*, Orem HS, Utah, #1 OL-T nation, #1 Utah player, Neb has a slight lead, but USC is R him hard.

    • June 9, 2026 at 2:32 am #13736
      Butkus51
      Participant

      6-8-26

      Saw a podcast show today, one of the main USC dudes.  He said dat OL I. Bertola visited Cal dis weekend and told numerous people he is shutting down is R and other visits (Texas & BYU).  Afterwards, Biggins predicted it will be Cal.  Oh well.  Kinda interesting, USC told the 2 new OL offers, change of plans, they are not being R anymore.  I think GM Bowden did all dat just to put the pressure on Bertola, but it did not work.

      Crazy sheet, this podcaster thinks USC is still in it.  Dang, these podcasters are something else.  Jacking up his fan base.  So look out for Bertola’s commitment soon…  Cheers

      • June 11, 2026 at 12:46 pm #13785
        Butkus51
        Participant

        Yep Bertola committed to Cal yesterday.  Yeah, da Hawaiian connection at Cal was da deciding factor.  Heard dat there are 3 very good Hawaiian restaurants near Cal.  Bet you dat was another factor as well.  But, I think USC was a close 2nd.  Dang, back to the drawing board.  There’s still the TP, I’m sure C. Hanson can find 1 or 2 top, experienced OL.  But, 2028 class is da Big One…  Cheers

    • June 16, 2026 at 1:52 pm #13884
      Butkus51
      Participant

      6-16-26

      OK, very good we got 3* LB, Dylan Wafle. 6-1, 210 from Connecticut; he is Luke’s brother.  No surprise, he was predicted to USC.  I like him, Dylan is a tuff FB player, just like Luke.  Great instincts, high motor, very physical, plays fast.  We got a good one.  I think he will see the field as a Soph.  I feel he should grow and develop = 6-2, 230 in 2 yrs.  See his HL tape, I think you will like him too.

      PS. Some will say he plays in a small division and from Connecticut.  Yeah, but many top collegiate and NFL players came from small schools.  Nah, Dylan + Poyer = a nice, solid 2027 LB class.

      Dylan’s HL video.  https://www.hudl.com/profile/23537731/Dylan-Wafle

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