USC Basketball's Future Stars: Trojans' Incoming Recruits Set to Shine at 2026 McDonald's All-American Game
The 2026 McDonald’s All-American game is scheduled to take place in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Desert Diamond Arena on Tuesday, March 31. This will mark the 48th annual edition of the prestigious event, and USC fans can look forward to seeing three of the Trojans' incoming recruits in action. The game will be televised on ESPN at 3 p.m. PT.
Trojans supporters will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the future of the USC basketball program as incoming center Darius Ratliff, power forward Adonis Ratliff, and forward Christian Collins are set to participate in the game. The Ratliff brothers will be part of the East roster, while Collins will represent the West squad.
This event holds significant importance for Trojans coach Eric Musselman, especially after the disappointment of missing the NCAA Tournament in the previous season. With the addition of the Ratliff brothers and Collins, USC fans are optimistic about the team's prospects for the upcoming season.
USC basketball's 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 7 overall by 247Sports, placing them fourth in the Big Ten behind powerhouse programs like Purdue, Michigan State, and Michigan. The Ratliff brothers, hailing from Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, New York, are both highly rated four-star recruits who have committed to playing for the Trojans. Collins, a five-star recruit from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California, has also committed to USC.
The Trojans are aiming to bounce back and secure a spot in the tournament after missing out for the third consecutive season. Injuries and the dismissal of star guard Chad Baker-Mazara were setbacks for USC this past season. Despite a strong start, the team struggled down the stretch, finishing with an 18-14 overall record and a 7-13 mark in Big Ten play, including an eight-game losing streak to end the season.
Looking ahead to the next season, USC is focused on achieving more consistency throughout the year. The presence of three McDonald's All-Americans on the roster can provide a boost to the team's performance. Coach Musselman's track record of recruiting top talent during his time at Arkansas has led to successful tournament runs, and USC is hopeful that the incoming recruits can help replicate that success.