On Monday, USC general manager Chad Bowden spoke on the Trojans Live show. He hinted at more positive news for the program's outstanding 2026 recruiting class. USC continues to be a top choice for numerous candidates in the 2026 class. Now the issue is, who is next in line to become a top commitment to the Trojans?
Priority USC defensive line target Tomuhini Topui, an outstanding four-star defensive-lineman from Mater Dei High School, decommitted from Oregon last week after being committed to the Ducks since October. Following Topui's decommitment, numerous recruiting sites predicted that USC would land him. On3's Scott Schrader, Steve Wiltfong, and Chad Simmons have all predicted that the Trojans will land Topui. 247 Sports also included a crystal ball prediction for USC.
Topui is ranked 13th in the 247Sports defensive line rankings and 15th overall. If he commits to USC, he will be the fifth DL/EDGE in the 2026 class, following DL Jaimeon Winfield (8th-ranked), EDGE Simote Kataonga (11th-ranked), DL Braeden Jones (18th-ranked), and EDGE Andrew Williams.
Topui, who stands at 6'2" and weighs 330 pounds, would be a huge land for the Trojans. He is an elite defender who would be a huge piece for USC's defense under defensive line coach Eric Henderson and defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, who continue to prioritize big bodies in the trenches.
USC general manager Chad Bowden has changed the way recruits think about USC football. If he is optimistic about more gains for the Trojans, fans should be inclined to share that sunny outlook.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Chad Bowden hints at more positive USC football recruiting news