USC Trojans Named Top Landing Spot for 4-Star So. Cal Edge Rusher

The USC Trojans used their game against Utah State to host more than 20 high school players, including five-star athletes  Ty Jackson and Jerome Myles. The Trojans’ dominant 48-0 win was all Jackson needed to see. The linebacker committed to the program on Sunday morning .

The game and the school also made a big impression on another guest, four-star edge rusher Simote Katoanga. As of Sunday morning, Steve Wiltfong of On3 gives the USC Trojans a 61.4 percent chance of landing the San Juan Capistrano native.

USC Trojans Make Big Impression on Local Edge Rusher

“This visit has definitely increased my interest in them and USC is a top team to consider in my recruiting process,” Katoanga said.

He also commented on the unique atmosphere from tailgating to the USC crowd. It was the first game he watched in person at the Coliseum. He was shocked by the size of the historic stadium.

“It was the first college football game I got to experience this season,” he told On3. “and USC showed why they are a top team in the country. The staff definitely made my family and I feel so welcomed too.”

The 6 foot 5, 250-pound junior is ranked as high as the 11th-best 2026 edge rusher.

He plans to be in attendance for the Notre Dame game on Nov. 9. On3 gives the Fightin’ Irish the second-best odds of landing Katoanga at 36.6 percent.

Katoanga’s JSerra High School teammate Madden Faraimo was also a part of the big recruiting effort on Saturday.

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