USC Trojans trending for 4-star RB Nathaniel Palmer

USC landed a commitment from McKinney (Texas) four-star running back Bryan Jackson on April 21. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Trojans are trending to land another talented tailback from the Lone Star State.

Decatur (Texas) four-star running back Nathaniel Palmer is currently favored to choose USC at 93.6%. The Trojans’ odds rose exponentially following an expert prediction from On3’s Sam Spiegelman.

“With Lincoln Riley coming from Oklahoma and him doing the things he’s done in his career, it’s a really nice offense and a really great environment to be around,” Palmer told Marshall Levenson of WeAreSC on May 10. Really, I wouldn’t have anybody else I’d rather play for.

“I feel like it’s a great opportunity, especially with the players I would have around me. I feel like they can make me better with Lincoln being my coach and then coach (Kiel) McDonald being my running backs coach. He can develop me, make me a better running back overall, get me to the next level and make me a better man at the end of the day.”

Palmer is the No. 393 overall prospect and the No. 33 running back 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. 65 player in Texas.

On3 rates Palmer higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 255 overall prospect, No. 19 running back and No. 50 player in Texas.

For more USC recruiting intel, check out WeAreSC.

Palmer would continue USC’s recruiting success this cycle

A 5-foot-10, 180-pound tailback, Palmer is taking his official visit to Los Angeles on June 16-18. He previously visited USC on April 8 and July 30.

“I’ve been out there probably about two or three times and I’ve seen everything I needed to see,” Palmer said. “I just want to get a better relationship with the other coaches, the defensive staff, the strength coordinator, everybody. It’s a very nice place to be and I’m ready to get back down there.”

Landing Palmer would mark another big win for the Trojans on the recruiting trail. Right now, Riley and Co. have commitments from three players: Jackson, Los Angeles (Calif.) Sierra Canyon four-star wide receiver Xavier Jordan and Lake Oswego (Ore.) Lakeridge four-star tight end Joey Olsen.

USC’s group currently ranks No. 18 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 4 in the Big Ten. The Trojans’ class also has the sixth-best average rating (90.56) of any program in the 2024 cycle.