By Mark Pszonak
While questions remain regarding Lincoln Riley’s coaching abilities on the field, there has never been a doubt about his recruiting prowess. That was once again proven this week with the Trojans picking up four big Class of 2026 commitments on four consecutive days.
First was wide receiver Roderick Tezeno Jr. on Wednesday. He was followed by offensive lineman Keenyi Pepe on Thursday, cornerback Elbert Hill on Friday and then wide receiver Luc Weaver on Saturday.
Tezeno, from Opelousas Catholic High School in Louisiana, committed to the Trojans after taking a visit to Los Angeles last weekend. He also seriously considered Missouri, Kentucky, Houston, Georgia Tech and Tulane. As a junior Tezeno, 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, finished with 46 receptions for 1,047 yards and 17 touchdowns.
© Mike Lang / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK
Pepe, 6-foot-7 and 320-pounds, is a California native but plays his high school football at IMG Academy in Florida. He had upwards of 40 offers at the time of his decision, including top programs like Georgia, Texas, Florida and Miami. At the end it became a battle between the Trojans and Canes.
Hill was a commitment that turned heads, mainly because he plays his high school football in Ohio State territory. The Archbishop Hoban product, which is in Akron, took visits to USC, Ohio State, Oregon and Alabama during the spring before committing to the Trojans.
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Finally, Weaver is a local addition from Sherman Oaks who committed to USC after receiving an offer only two weeks ago. Prior to the offer and quick commitment, he was seriously considering Washington, Minnesota and UCLA.
And it might not be over for the Trojans, as top wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is set to make his decision today between USC, Oregon and Ohio State.
But as everyone knows, you don’t win games on the field in May. Coach Riley and the Trojans will have to show improvement on the field this season or the hot seat rumors will continue in Los Angeles.
