USC Trojans trending for 4-star OT Manasse Itete

Modesto (Calif.) Central Catholic four-star offensive tackle Manasse Itete told On3’s Chad Simmons on May 23 that Florida State was the favorite for his commitment. Things have changed since then, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

USC is now leading for Itete at 95.6%. The Trojans’ odds rose exponentially following expert predictions from WeAreSC’s Marshall Levenson and Scott Schrader.

“The rapid rise for USC to the front of the race for Itete can largely be attributed to the work of USC offensive line coach Josh Henson,” Levenson said. “Prior to the visit, Itete publicly gave Florida State the lead, but after spending time with Henson, growing their bond and also experiencing the lifestyle that USC and Los Angeles brings, it gives us every reason to believe USC is now the team to beat. It also helps knowing that USC is picking up momentum and landing commitments from others who visited alongside Itete.”

Itete is the No. 345 overall prospect and No. 24 offensive tackle in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 28 player in California. 

On3 rates Itete higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 195 overall prospect, No. 17 offensive tackle and No. 14 player in California.

For more USC recruiting intel, check out WeAreSC.

Itete recently took an official visit to USC

The 6-foot-4.5, 289-pound recruit took an official visit to Los Angeles this weekend. He also went to see USC in April.

“USC is coming hard,” Itete said to Simmons. “Over the last two months, USC has really come after me hard. Coach Zach Hanson was back at my school this week and he is very interested in me. Since they offered, USC has shown a lot of interest in me.”

The Trojans’ 2024 recruiting class is currently No. 18 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 4 in the Big Ten. USC’s group contains six players: Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra four-star cornerback Dakoda Fields, Los Angeles (Calif.) Sierra Canyon four-star wide receiver Xavier Jordan, Lake Oswego (Ore.) Lakeridge four-star tight end Joey Olsen, Clearwater (Fla.) three-star safety Jarvis Boatwright Jr., McKinney (Texas) three-star running back Bryan Jackson and Engelwood (Colo.) Cherry Creek three-star interior offensive lineman Hayden Treter.

Fields, Treter and Boatwright Jr. have all pledged to head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff in the last two days.