Zaire Turner Leaves USC Trojans for SMU Mustangs: Impact on Recruiting Efforts
The USC Trojans football program experienced a significant loss in early May as their director of recruiting operations, Zaire Turner, announced her departure to join the SMU Mustangs in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Turner, who previously worked at Notre Dame, played a crucial role in USC's recruiting efforts under head coach Lincoln Riley. During her time at Notre Dame, Turner was recognized for her contributions to the team's recruiting success, helping them secure top-ranked classes and reach the National Championship game in 2024. Upon joining USC, Turner collaborated with the general manager to build the nation's top-ranked recruiting class for the 2026 cycle, bringing in several five-star prospects. She continued to oversee USC's recruiting efforts in 2027, contributing to the recruitment of highly-rated local talents. Turner's move to SMU as senior director of recruiting marks a homecoming for the Dallas native and presents a new challenge for the Trojans as they aim to maintain their recruiting success without her presence.