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Three-star defensive lineman Jake Johnson committed to USC's 2026 class on Monday. The Prosper High School (Texas) standout chose Lincoln Riley's program over schools like Texas Tech, North Carolina, SMU, Baylor, TCU and Wisconsin.
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The 6-foot-3, 290-pound prospect received his offer in January during a visit from the Trojans defensive line coach Eric Henderson, and he later visited the school in March for a spring practice.
"The trip lived up to my expectations and more," Johnson told TrojanSports following the visit. "The campus and football facilities are amazing, and football is getting a whole new facility. The message to me was that they are building momentum and something special and they want me to be part of it."
Wisconsin and North Carolina were USC’s biggest competitors, but the connection Johnson built with the Trojan coaching staff and the strong impression from his visit ultimately sealed the deal. Wisconsin had also been scheduled for an official visit before he made his decision.
Johnson spoke highly of his meeting with Riley, saying (via 247Sports),
"I met coach Riley in his office with my dad. Our meeting was about 45 minutes long. He is very personable and easy to talk with. We talked about being from Texas and the moves he's making for the success of the program and how I fit into that plan."
At the next level, Johnson is projected to play as an interior defensive lineman, most likely as a nose tackle. He is the No. 59 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 91 recruit in Texas, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.
Update on USC's 2026 class following Jake Johnson's commitment
Jake Johnson is the 21st player to commit to USC's 2026 recruiting class, which holds the No. 2 national ranking. He is the fourth addition in the past week, joining four-star defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui, three-star wide receiver Kohen Brown and four-star running back Deshonne Redeaux.
Johnson is the sixth defensive lineman and the third recruit from Texas in USC’s 2026 class. The momentum shows no signs of slowing, as Lincoln Riley and Co. have hosted several blue-chip prospects over the weekend and have more official visits lined up from recruits already trending towards the school.
