Elite 2026 CB RJ Sermons plans visits to pair of Big Ten programs

Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) four-star cornerback RJ Sermons is one of the many top juniors in the nation that’s looking to get right back on the road following the summer dead period.

After taking visits to the likes of Texas A&M, Notre Dame and USC earlier this year, the 6-foot, 180-pounder is now planning to visit Washington and Oregon in the coming days, according to On3’s Chad Simmons.

Both West Coast programs are among those looking to cement contender status in the race for Sermons’ commitment. As things continue to ramp up in his process, Sermons is planning to see Jedd Fisch and the Huskies on Friday in Seattle, then get down to Eugene to see Dan Lanning and the Ducks on Saturday.

“I’m looking for a great environment that is about more than football and to where I can succeed in life after football and after sports,” Sermons told On3 back in March. “I want to build great relationships and set myself up for ultimate success in the future.” 

USC is a school to watch for Sermons moving forward, as he’s a legacy recruit for the Trojans. His father Rodney played running back for the school from 1994-1997. His visit to Los Angeles in April was a positive trip overall.

“My experience was great,” Sermons told On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong. “Watching the scrimmage was good and after the coaches and staff made me feel like family. What excites me about opportunity there is that there is plenty of it with an elite coaching staff that is big on development.”

Sermons is the No. 38 overall prospect and No. 3 corner in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 6 player in California.

On3 ranks Sermons higher than other recruiting services. He now checks in at No. 15 overall, No. 2 at CB and No. 2 in the Golden State, according to the 2026 On300.

RJ Sermons Scouting Summary

On3 National Scout Cody Bellaire wrote this of Sermons upon naming him a top performer on day two of the Under Armour Future 50 last month:

“One of the other best workouts on the day was in the defensive back group. It genuinely might be one of the cleanest individual defensive back sessions I’ve ever seen and it came from RJ Sermons. Almost every rep he took was teach tape. From his pacing in his backpedal to his burst and ability to stick his foot in the ground and change direction, Sermons was a technician. He’s such a fluid and smooth mover. When weaving in and out of his pedal he keeps everything under control and has little to no wasted movement. And at 6 feet, 180+ pounds, he has the size and length that every coach at the next level covets at the corner position.”