On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: USC trending for No. 1 RB Taylor Tatum

Longview (Texas) four-star running back Taylor Tatum was at USC over the weekend for his official visit with the Trojans — his second trip out to L.A. since March.

USC in in the midst of a battle for his services with the likes of Oklahoma and Michigan, as well as Texas A&M, Texas and Georgia. The Trojans had some buzz heading into the weekend, but coming out of it, they are considered the strong favorite to land Tatum by the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Following an expert pick from WeAreSC.com‘s Scott Schrader, USC now holds a 76.9 percent chance of landing Tatum’s commitment, per the RPM.

“USC has really put themselves in a good spot, I’ll say,” Tatum told On3‘s Sam Spiegelman after his official visit. “I think after seeing how life is at USC and seeing so many people from (outside of) California doing well in California and seeing what coach (Lincoln) Riley’s offense looks like and how much he loves the game, I could really see myself not just playing at USC but excelling at USC and building a brand for myself.”

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons echoed the sentiment about the Trojans standing atop Tatum’s recruitment on Tuesday.

“USC has added numerous commitments since the weekend and they are now trending for Taylor Tatum,” Simmons wrote. “Others are in the mix, but two sources now feel the Trojans have emerged as the team to beat for the talented Texas running back.

Lincoln Riley taking a personal role in Taylor Tatum’s recruitment

With his connections to East Texas from previous coaching stops, Riley has taken a lead role in recruiting Tatum as well as members of his family. Trojans RB coach Kiel McDonald has built an equally strong connection with the elite Texas-based recruit.

“Coach Riley and Coach Mac showing me the things I can do for USC as soon as I’m there and showing also really getting to know my family and getting to know theirs,” Tatum said, on the highlights of this weekend’s visit back to campus. “As far as being around the players there right now and just seeing them act like family and how close they are with the coaches was really good to see.”

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Tatum is the No. 40 overall prospect and No. 1 running back in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the No. 9 recruit in Texas.

As a junior in 2022, he rushed for 1,850 yards, 33 touchdowns and averaged 141 yards a carry against some of the stiffest competition in the Lone Star State. He also had three receiving scores.