2026 On3 No. 1 CB RJ Sermons commits to USC: ‘To have the chance to thrive in your hometown is amazing’ 

Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) four-star cornerback RJ Sermons is a USC legacy, as his father was a running back for the Trojans from 1994-97. Growing up, he enjoyed watching the highlights of his dad, USC running back Reggie Bush and Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart. Sermons also liked seeing cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and wide receiver Tyler Vaughns suit up for the cardinal-and-gold. 

Some of the top programs in the country pursued Sermons. But in the end, head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff won a massive recruiting battle for an in-state prospect as the 6-foot-0, 180-pound defensive back has committed to USC. 

“I feel like USC is the best place for me, my family and my future,” Sermons told On3. “I like the authenticity from everybody on the staff and everybody in the building. They kept it real the whole time and made it known that I am a priority to them. The opportunities that I have there on and off the field and in the classroom are great. Also, my family played an important role in my decision.” 

Sermons is excited to help USC chase more greatness

Sermons, who chose the Trojans over Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and Oregon, shared that being a USC legacy “played a little part” in his pledge to the Big Ten program. The Trojans were at the top of his list for a long time, but he shared that a few schools were previously “right there” with USC. 

The No. 3 player in California called his commitment to the Trojans “a tough decision,” but is feeling good about his future in Los Angeles. He was on campus for a visit on Nov. 27 and returned to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for USC’s game against the Fighting Irish on Nov. 30. Sermons also attended USC’s conference matchups against Nebraska on Nov. 16 and Penn State on Oct. 12. 

“While I was at the games, I felt a family environment,” said Sermons, the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the 2026 On300. “I’ve been building relationships with them and them being authentic and real throughout the whole process stood out to me.” 

USC is bound for another bowl game in Riley’s third season leading the Trojans. Despite being rated as high as No. 11 before falling out of the top 25, Sermons is still confident about USC’s trajectory in the coming years. 

“When I think of USC, I think of historical greatness,” Sermons said. “Even though the program’s not having the best season and even if one year is not going the best, I know that they’re one step away from achieving greatness. They always will be and always have been, which is awesome. Also, I like the people around the program, the people in the building, what they live by and the history behind the school.” 

USC made Sermons feel like a ‘top priority’ throughout his recruitment

Sermons is close with multiple members of USC’s staff. They include Riley, secondary coach Doug Belk, assistant defensive backs coach Taylor Mays and Director of Player Personnel Weston Zernechel. 

The four-star talks with Riley weekly or every other week and is in communication with the entire Trojans’ defensive staff. He is also starting to build relationships with USC’s offensive coaches. 

“When the new staff came in, I felt like a top priority to them,” Sermons said. “Then, it got better and better over time. They kept proving that I was a priority to them and kept being real and authentic to me and my family. That really helped them a lot.” 

Sermons is the latest top recruit from California to stay home and play for the Trojans. The opportunity to suit up for USC is very significant to him. 

“It means a lot to represent where you’re from,” Sermons said. “To have the chance to thrive in your hometown is amazing.”