Following a positive 2025 campaign in Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s fourth year at the helm that touted a 9-4 record and an undefeated 7-0 record at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, football sets its sights on a run to the 12-team College Football Playoff in 2026. 

As pressure ramps up on the Trojans to make strides toward a national championship in the upcoming season, Riley has brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, according to 247 Sports, which includes a total of three five-stars and 19 four-star recruits. USC has done all of this despite losing more than 40 players to the transfer portal this past offseason.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable additions to the Trojans’ roster in 2026, both transfers and recruits, who are set to make a major impact on the team this season.

Terrell Anderson — Transfer Wide Receiver

In recent years, the Trojans’ coaching staff has repeatedly developed wide receivers at an elite level, with five being drafted from the position over the past four seasons. Most notably, 2025 offensive leaders Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane were both drafted in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Ranked as a four-star transfer by 247 Sports and recently as a top-50 newcomer for the 2026 season by ESPN, junior wide receiver Terrell Anderson came over from North Carolina State and will be in a strong position to succeed alongside Heisman-hopeful redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava.

A top-100 prospect from the Class of 2024, Anderson posted an impressive 39 receptions for 629 yards and five touchdowns with the Wolfpack in 2025. In his freshman season, he contributed 14 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. 

According to national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna, Anderson utilizes a unique package of size and speed, both in the slot and on the perimeter, which will be key against elite secondaries this season.

Jontez Williams — Transfer Cornerback

Redshirt senior Jontez Williams hails from Iowa State and is expected to immediately fill the hole at right cornerback. Williams notched 67 total tackles and five interceptions across his three seasons with the Cyclones and is ranked as a four-star transfer.

After his breakout sophomore season in 2024 that featured four interceptions and five passes defended, Williams’ 2025 campaign was cut short due to a knee injury suffered in the team’s fifth matchup against Arizona.

If the athletic defensive back can stay healthy for the entirety of 2026 with the Trojans, his presence will be a major weapon for new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.

Zuriah Fisher — Transfer Defensive End

Another four-star addition for the Trojans is 6-foot-2 edge Zuriah Fisher, who transferred from Big Ten foe Penn State. He is likely to compete for snaps with experienced edge rushers junior Kameryn Crawford and senior Braylan Shelby. 

Across his past two seasons with the Nittany Lions, the redshirt senior recorded 36 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Fisher had been with Penn State for the past six seasons, but due to COVID-19 eligibility rules, his redshirt in 2022 and missing the 2024 season due to injury, he has been granted a seventh year of eligibility.

Fisher came back strong in 2025, totaling 30 quarterback pressures across 11 games while only being penalized five times.

Mark Bowman — Recruit Tight End

Ranked as the No. 2 tight end in the class of 2026, Mark Bowman is expected to take over the starting role at the position for the Trojans following the departure of Walker Lyons to BYU and Lake McRee to the NFL.

According to scouting director Andrew Ivins, the 6-foot-4 product showed versatility in high school playing out wide and in the slot, with the ability to frequently shake defenders and capitalize on catch-and-run opportunities. Bowman’s entrance to the offense should make him an immediate focal point on the interior for Maiava. 

Bowman caught 62 passes for 797 total yards and 10 touchdowns across his 2024 and 2025 high school seasons at Mater Dei High School, which included being awarded the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Award and leading his squad to the MaxPreps National Championship in 2024. 

Keenyi Pepe — Recruit Offensive Tackle

Entering as USC’s top overall recruit in the class of 2026, five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe is ranked as the No. 5 recruit nationally and the No. 1 offensive tackle, according to 247 Sports.

Standing at 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, the prospect is expected to get the majority of his snaps at right tackle alongside redshirt sophomore Justin Tauanuu.

Marked with high praise as a potential first-round draft pick, Pepe utilizes an impressive leg drive and smooth kick slide with excellent balance and posture against the defensive line, according to scouting director Andrew Ivins.

Pepe held his own across four dominant seasons at IMG Academy, being named a MaxPreps All-American in each season. He also participated in the Polynesian Bowl and Under Armour All-American game as a junior.

The Trojans will kick off their season on Aug. 29 against San Jose State University at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.