The USC Trojans have made a major recruiting statement with the recent commitment of Shaun Scott, a four-star EDGE prospect from powerhouse Mater Dei High School. Scott, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 235 pounds, is rated as one of the top defensive talents in California and ranks among the nation’s top edge rushers. His commitment strengthens an already loaded 2026 recruiting class and further cements USC’s position atop the national rankings.
Scott chose the Trojans over several other powerhouse programs, including Michigan and Miami. His decision marks a significant win for head coach Lincoln Riley and newly appointed general manager Chad Bowden, who has made it a priority to rebuild strong ties with Southern California prep programs, especially talent-rich schools like Mater Dei. That strategy appears to be working, with USC now holding commitments from 16 in-state players among their 27 total verbal pledges in the 2026 cycle.
Scott’s addition gives USC a versatile and explosive defender who brings speed off the edge, high football IQ, and the kind of tenacity needed to thrive in the Big Ten. He is expected to flourish under the guidance of defensive assistant
