USC Trojans Shift Focus to Four-Star Quarterback Dane Weber for 2027 Recruiting Cycle
The USC Trojans were unable to secure a commitment from five-star quarterback Peyton Houston for the 2027 recruiting cycle, as he chose LSU instead. However, Coach Lincoln Riley is actively searching for the next quarterback recruit for the team. While they have not extended an offer to any other quarterback yet, the Trojans have shown interest in four-star quarterback Dane Weber, the No. 2 in-state quarterback. Riley has been actively involved in Weber's recruitment, despite USC's late entry into the process.
Coach Riley is known for being selective in his quarterback recruiting process, as evidenced by the limited number of offers extended during previous cycles. In the 2026 cycle, USC offered only four quarterbacks, including top prospects like Jared Curtis and Ryder Lyons. With Houston's commitment to LSU, the Trojans are now exploring other options to fill the quarterback position for the upcoming season.
Following Houston's decision, USC's quarterback recruitment has been relatively quiet until Dane Weber's visit to the campus on March 13. Weber, a highly sought-after prospect, has received offers from schools like Oregon, UCLA, and Michigan. He recently visited UCLA before making his way to USC, indicating a growing interest from both schools in securing his commitment.
Weber currently has four official visits scheduled, with potential visits to schools like UCLA, Cal, Kansas, and Cincinnati in the future. Given the limited availability of top quarterback recruits for the 2027 cycle, USC may focus on local talent like Weber to strengthen their quarterback position. Despite previous challenges with in-state quarterback recruits transferring out after one season, Coach Riley remains committed to finding the right fit for the Trojans.
In conclusion, USC's pursuit of a quarterback recruit for the 2027 season has shifted to prospects like Dane Weber following Peyton Houston's commitment to LSU. Coach Riley's selective approach to quarterback recruiting and the team's interest in local talent like Weber highlight the Trojans' ongoing efforts to secure a strong quarterback for the upcoming season.