On a crisp Saturday night in Southern California, the nation’s top high school football showdown pitted the St. John Bosco Braves against the Bishop Gorman Gaels, and USC’s 2027 linebacker commit Josiah Poyer was front and center.
Poyer finished the game with 14 tackles, including two tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries that disrupted the opposing offense. His most talked‑about moment arrived early in the second quarter when he exploded into the backfield on a third‑and‑short play, forcing a loss that swung momentum.
Although the Braves fell 38‑28, the defensive effort highlighted the potential of USC’s emerging linebacker corps. The matchup also featured highly ranked opponents, with MaxPreps placing St. John Bosco at No. 1 and No. 2 nationally, while High School On SI ranked them No. 4 and No. 7.
Building a Future Defense
The performance comes as USC’s 2027 recruiting class continues to take shape. Alongside Poyer, the Trojans have secured three‑star linebacker Dylan Wafle and have already signed four‑star backers Talanoa Ili and Shaun Scott in the 2026 cycle, while also adding players such as Taylor Johnson, GianCarlo Rufo and Deven Bryant.
During fall camp, Bryant and Ili have been locked in a battle for starting spots against veterans Jadyn Walker and Desman Stephens II, a competition that could shape the depth chart heading into the next season. Looking further ahead, USC’s 2028 board is already courting four‑star prospects Allen ‘Cinco’ Kennett V and Landon Miller, signaling a long‑term vision for a dominant defensive front.