USC trending for elite 2026 CB RJ Sermons

USC is now trending to land a commitment from an elite local prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

On Saturday evening, On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong logged a pick in favor of the Trojans landing Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) four-star cornerback RJ Sermons. The 6-foot, 180-pounder was at Memorial Coliseum on Saturday to watch USC defeat Wisconsin in comeback fashion.

Sermons has been a frequent visitor on USC’s campus this year. Logging multiple trips in the spring and a visit in the summer, the junior blue-chipper has seen Lincoln Riley and Co. far more than any other program thus far in his recruiting process.

“I like everything that’s new that they’re bringing in and everything that they’ve been building. I really want to see how it comes together this year with the new defensive staff,” Sermons said of USC in an interview with On3’s Chad Simmons at the end of August. “I like coach Lincoln Riley and everything that he’s been doing to build the program up to be a winning team. I want to see how all that pays off this year during the season.”

Secondary coach Doug Belk is leading USC’s charge for Sermons. The likes of Oregon, Washington, Texas, Tennessee and Notre Dame have also made some headway in his recruitment, but it’s the in-state program that looks to be in the driver’s seat this fall.

“I’m looking for a good coaching staff that can develop me,” Sermons said. “Every school is going to have great football. So for me, it is about the coaches and who I can really trust to develop me into the best player I can be and get me to my ultimate goal of playing in the NFL.” 

“Right now, I’m leaning towards committing right after the season,” he added. “I want to play the season out, have a great season and then, go to a couple of games and feel things out before making my commitment.” 

Sermons is the No. 34 overall prospect and No. 2 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. 4 player in the Golden State.

On3 ranks him higher than other recruiting services. He checks in at No. 15 overall, No. 2 at CB and No. 3 in California in the 2026 On300.