Top 3 landing spots for four-star CB Davon Benjamin to the Class of 2026 ft. USC

Four-star cornerback Davon Benjamin has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2026 class. The defensive standout helped lead Oaks Christian High School (California) to the 2024 CIF Division II semifinals this year.

The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect recorded 85 total tackles, nine pass breakups, eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 24 combined games in his sophomore and junior years. He is the No. 3 cornerback in the 2026 class, the No. 6 recruit in California and the No. 40 prospect in the nation.

Benjamin's top eight schools are Georgia, Oregon, USC, Miami, Washington, Ohio State, Texas and UCLA. He said his commitment decision should happen later in the summer, as he wants to commit before his senior season.

Let's see which three programs have the most potential to secure Davon Benjamin's commitment.

Top 3 programs vying for Davon Benjamin's commitment

#3. Ohio State

Ohio State only offered Benjamin earlier this month. Despite being a latecomer to his recruitment, the Buckeyes have made a strong impression, and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine currently gives the program a 9.5% chance of landing Benjamin.

The Buckeyes’ cornerbacks coach, Tim Walton, alongside safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, has been actively targeting top-tier cornerbacks in this cycle, and Benjamin is certainly on their priority list. Ohio State is also targeting blue-chip cornerbacks like Victor Singleton and Elbert Hill.

Ohio State's 2026 class is headlined by five-star wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr. The cycle ranks No. 10 in the nation and also holds commitments of two other players in tight end Corbyn Fordham and wide receiver Jaeden Ricketts.

#2. Washington

Washington was the second school to offer Davon Benjamin last year and continued pursuing him. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the Huskies an 11.5% chance of securing his commitment.

Washington has utilized a strategic approach in its recruitment of Benjamin, with both assistant coaches Vinnie Sunseri (safeties) and John Richardson (cornerbacks) playing key roles in his recruitment.

Washington’s 2026 class has six committed players: interior offensive lineman Esun Tafa, running back Ansu Sanoe, linebacker Wassie Lugolobi, wide receiver Terrance Saryon, kicker CJ Wallace and interior offensive lineman Ah Deong Yang. It ranks No. 18 in the nation.

#1. USC

USC is the leader in Benjamin's recruitment, and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the Trojans a 43.1% chance of securing his commitment.

Being a California native, Benjamin has visited USC multiple times and has been closely following the Trojans' progress. He is also excited about how Lincoln Riley's program will perform next year.

“They are going through a transition right now with players leaving and coming, but this is part of life,” Benjamin told SI. “I want to see how they bounce back from some adversity this season and keep my eye on them.”

USC has seven committed players in its 2026 class, ranking No. 2 in the nation. The cycle already has two cornerbacks committed in four-star prospects RJ Sermons and Brandon Lockhart, both of whom are California natives as well.