Despite stacking their 2026 class with plenty of homegrown talent, USC’s crown jewel recruit comes from the opposite coast. The Trojans pulled off one of the cycle’s biggest wins by venturing into Florida and securing a commitment from five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, one of the Sunshine State’s top prospects.
Now, with the Early Signing Period fast approaching, Lincoln Riley’s staff is fighting to keep Pepe on board. Miami is making a strong late push to lure the California native back closer to his current home at IMG Academy.
Rivals’ Adam Gorney still gives USC the edge, noting Pepe’s Southern California roots make his commitment a “homecoming,” even with Miami dangling the chance to step into the shoes of former five-star Francis Mauigoa.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 2 offensive tackle and the No. 7 overall prospect by 247Sports, Pepe was one of the most coveted linemen in the country, holding 35 offers before pledging to the Trojans. His commitment would mark USC’s biggest offensive line signing under Riley, and the highest-rated since Austin Jackson in 2017.
Helping USC’s cause are multiple connections: Pepe’s IMG teammate Breck Kolojay, a four-star guard, is also committed to the Trojans, and his older brother Kobe is already a senior defensive lineman in Los Angeles.
Still, Miami’s recent track record of landing elite linemen — including current five-star 2026 commit Jackson Cantwell — ensures the Hurricanes won’t back down. Keeping Pepe in the fold will take a full-court press from USC, but for now, the five-star remains the centerpiece of the Trojans’ 2026 class.
Leave a Reply