"I can see myself going there": Four-star WR gives Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans an edge in his recruitment

Four-star wide receiver CJ Sadler has received scholarships from the majority of big programs in the nation. The 2026 class prospect out of Michigan secured his latest offer from Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans on Friday during his visit to the campus.

"USC is a great place," Sadler told On3 following the offer. “They put guys in the NFL. That’s big. Of course, it’s a great education. Great people there…I can see myself going there."

As a junior in the 2024 season, Sadler proved his elite talent with 51 receptions for 1,043 yards and 14 touchdowns, securing him the MaxPreps Michigan High School Football Player of the Year. He is the No. 16 wide receiver in the 2026 class and the No. 99 prospect in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Sadler was also one of 32 players in the country to get selected for Nike's Next Ones event. A player of this potential will be a great addition to USC's 2026 class, which ranks No. 2 in the nation with eight committed players. If he commits to the Trojans this cycle, he will join three-star prospect Ja'Myron Baker in the wide receiver room.

Former high school teammate is recruiting CJ Sadler at the USC Trojans

CJ Sadler had been high school teammates with three-star USC Trojans cornerback signee Alex Graham at Cass Technical High School (Michigan). Graham had been committed to Colorado since last April but flipped to Lincoln Riley's program during the early signing period of the 2025 class on Dec. 4.

Since then, Graham has been encouraging Sadler to join him at USC.

“Alex Graham, a former Cass Tech guy, he just enrolled in December," Sadler told On3. "That’s my guy. He was telling me a lot of things about USC."

However, Sadler is the No. 1 recruit in Michigan in the 2026 class, and the in-state Michigan Wolverines are the leader in his recruitment with a 95.1% chance of securing his commitment, as per On3. Michigan State, Penn State, Oregon, Alabama and Florida are also strong contenders.

USC just entered the race in Sadler's recruitment with the scholarship offer this week and seems nowhere in the competition. However, Graham’s influence and potential future visits could give the Trojans a stronger footing in his recruitment down the line.