A coveted target
The University of Southern California is making a concerted effort to add Landen Wade to its 2027 recruiting class, targeting one of the nation’s most prized defensive line prospects.
Wade, a four‑star recruit who has pledged to play in the Navy All‑American Game, holds a ranking that places him third among defensive linemen nationally and second among Arizona prospects for the 2028 cycle.
The Trojans’ coaching trio — head coach Lincoln Riley, defensive line coach Shaun Nua and recruiter Skyler Jones — have been seen meeting with Wade’s family, underscoring the program’s intent to reshape its defensive front.
Wade’s recruitment has attracted a slate of 20 scholarship offers, including those from traditional powerhouses such as Oklahoma, Miami and Ohio State, yet USC’s aggressive outreach signals a willingness to compete head‑to‑head with those programs.
The pursuit also reflects USC’s broader strategy of prioritizing in‑state talent and high‑profile blue‑chip recruits from the Southern California pipeline, a move that could bolster the Trojans’ national profile.
While West Coast Big Ten programs like Oregon and Washington loom as potential suitors, Wade has indicated that the Trojans’ vision for a revamped defensive line and the chance to play alongside future star teammates could prove decisive.