After gut-wrenching loss to Penn State, USC lands commitment from four-star EDGE

The bitter taste in the mouths of the USC Trojans and their supporters became less sour on Sunday. Following an unpalatable overtime loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions, USC is savoring the news of four-star EDGE Braeden Jones' commitment .

Rated by Rivals as the No. 1 prospect from Illinois in the 2026 recruiting cycle, Jones is a 6-foot-5, 250-pound native of Chicago. Before pledging to join the Trojans, Jones was reportedly leaning toward committing to Notre Dame. He received offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Tennessee and numerous other top programs.

Jones attended the Penn State game at the Coliseum and gave the Trojans the good news shortly thereafter.

USC's defensive line coach, Eric Henderson , was Jones' primary recruiter. Henderson, who has a close relationship with future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald from his days as the defensive line coach with the Los Angeles Rams, is developing a reputation as a top recruiter .

Jones explained his decision to Rivals' Greg Smith: "The LA vibe, the campus. The coaches and how appreciative they are of me. I really felt the love going down there."

With Jones' commitment, the Trojans have the No. 1 class in the 2026 cycle. It includes seven pledges, five of whom are rated as four-star recruits.