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In a seismic moment for college football recruiting, the USC Trojans secured a major commitment from elite five-star 2026 offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe on Thursday.
The announcement, shared by recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett of On3, sent shockwaves through the college football world as Pepe, a 6’8, 330-pound standout from Long Beach, California, chose USC over powerhouse programs like Miami, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
His commitment was accompanied by a striking graphic featuring him donning the USC cardinal and gold with the bold statement, “I’m coming back home,” a nod to his Southern California roots.
Pepe, who currently plays at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 class.
His size, strength, and technical prowess make him a cornerstone piece for the Trojans' future offensive line under head coach Lincoln Riley.
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Trojans have been aggressively pursuing top talent, and Pepe’s decision marks a significant victory in their recruiting efforts, especially after recent predictions from insiders like Steve Wiltfong and Scott Schrader favored USC.
The addition of a player of Pepe's caliber could anchor the team’s line for years to come and make life extremely easy on the Trojans' future signal caller.
Pepe’s choice to stay close to home and join a program with a storied history at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—depicted in his announcement graphic—underscores the Trojans' resurgence as a recruiting juggernaut.
As the Trojans continue to build their 2026 class, Pepe’s pledge signals a bright future for the program.
Continue reading...
The announcement, shared by recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett of On3, sent shockwaves through the college football world as Pepe, a 6’8, 330-pound standout from Long Beach, California, chose USC over powerhouse programs like Miami, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
His commitment was accompanied by a striking graphic featuring him donning the USC cardinal and gold with the bold statement, “I’m coming back home,” a nod to his Southern California roots.
Pepe, who currently plays at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 class.
His size, strength, and technical prowess make him a cornerstone piece for the Trojans' future offensive line under head coach Lincoln Riley.
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USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Trojans have been aggressively pursuing top talent, and Pepe’s decision marks a significant victory in their recruiting efforts, especially after recent predictions from insiders like Steve Wiltfong and Scott Schrader favored USC.
The addition of a player of Pepe's caliber could anchor the team’s line for years to come and make life extremely easy on the Trojans' future signal caller.
Pepe’s choice to stay close to home and join a program with a storied history at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—depicted in his announcement graphic—underscores the Trojans' resurgence as a recruiting juggernaut.
As the Trojans continue to build their 2026 class, Pepe’s pledge signals a bright future for the program.
Continue reading...