USC’s 2028 recruiting class has already swelled to 78 commitments, underscoring the program’s aggressive outreach under the new defensive coordinator.
At the center of that effort is four‑star safety Jalen Flowers, a Palos Verdes native who has taken six official visits to USC, the latest in March, and is now weighing his options among a crowded field that includes Texas, Notre Dame and UCLA.
Ranked among the nation’s elite at his position by On3 and Rivals, Flowers has posted 26 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception as a freshman, followed by 50 tackles, three breakups and five interceptions in his sophomore season.
A Strategic Fit for the Trojans
If he signs, Flowers could line up as either a star nickel back or a traditional safety in USC’s 4‑2‑5 defense, a versatility that coaches say aligns perfectly with the Trojans’ evolving identity.
The competition for his signature remains fierce, with 36 total offers on the table, but USC’s alignment with Flowers’ preferred scheme and his rapport with the revamped defensive staff have kept the Trojans at the top of his list.
Beyond the individual recruitment, the influx of talent signals a broader ambition to restore USC’s defensive prominence and to compete aggressively for top prospects across the West Coast and beyond.