USC commit Luke Wafle walking on the field after the Navy All-American Bowl.
USC football secured the No. 1 recruiting class of 2026 in December when it landed one five-star commit and 21 four-star commits in a 35-player commitment class.
The Trojans became the first non-SEC program to clinch the top recruiting class in 18 years.
Advertisement
Offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe was initially USC’s only five-star recruit in December. But on Tuesday, edge Luke Wafle from Hun School in New Jersey was ranked as the No. 1 recruit and five-stars in the final 2026 Rivals300 Rankings.
Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power described Wafle as “ready-to-play” and said he will likely be able to quickly contribute to USC’s defense as a true freshman in 2026.
“The most ready-to-play top EDGE prospect in the 2026 cycle. Measured over 6-foot-5, 255 pounds with arms over 33 inches and big hands prior to his senior season. More physically mature than many of his highly-rated peers. Combines play strength and motor with functional athleticism. Wins at the point of attack with a powerful punch and the ability to convert speed to power. Uses quick power swipes to disengage from offensive linemen. Shows multiple pass-rush pathways and closing speed to finish behind the line of scrimmage. Nimble mover who breaks down well in space. A violent finisher who drives ball carriers into the ground. Strong, consistent run defender due to physicality and effort. Logged 18 TFLs and 8 sacks in nine games as a junior. Best fit as a true defensive end in a four-man front at the college level. First-step quickness remains an area for improvement. Touts a strong multi-sport background with above-the-rim bounce on the basketball court and a 45-6 foot shot put mark. Slightly older for the grade, common for northeastern prep school prospects. Could be primed for an impact as a true freshman given his level of development and physical maturity,” Power wrote.
Wafle is coming off a strong senior season at Hun School, where he recorded 99 total tackles including 37 for loss this season. He also set a school-record 23 sacks and was named Rivals’ Most Valuable Player of the Navy All-American Bowl in December.
As a junior at Hun School, Wafle logged 53 tackles including 18 for loss and eight sacks, according to On3’s Steve Wiltfong.
USC commit Luke Wafle walking on the field after the Navy All-American Bowl. Photo Credit: Jordan Scruggs, 277 Sports
Wafle Says “USC Is The Place to Be”
Wafle signed with the Trojans in June, reportedly turning down other top finalists such as Ohio State, Penn State, Texas and Oklahoma.
“It’s all about the people,” Wafle said, per On3.com. “I know this elite staff is going to help me grow on and off of the field. They’ve welcomed me with open arms to the Trojan Family from the very beginning. The education is world-class and the opportunities in LA are unmatched. We also can’t wait for our new facility that’s about to open! It’s going to be incredible.
“USC is the place to be,” Wafle added.
USC just missed the College Football Playoffs this season. But with the top recruiting class in the nation and the return of top players like quarterback Jayden Maiava, the Trojans have a real shot at making the playoffs in 2026.
Advertisement
Photo Credit: Jordan Scruggs, 247 Sports
The post USC Commit Luke Wafle Ranked No. 1 and Five-Stars in Final 2026 Rivals300 Rankings appeared first on LA Sports Report.
