USC Trojans Targeting Another 4-Star Recruit: Battling Notre Dame and Ohio State
Simeon Caldwell, a four-star linebacker in the Class of 2026, has planned visits to multiple programs, including the USC Trojans. Caldwell will be visiting USC twice—once unofficially in April and again officially in June. For USC to secure his commitment, they’ll need to impress the linebacker, especially with competition from Notre Dame and Ohio State.
USC is continuing to strengthen its defense in the 2026 class, having already secured a commitment from five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin. Now, they’re setting their sights on Caldwell, who is ranked as the No. 113 recruit nationally, the No. 5 linebacker, and the No. 14 player from Florida, according to 247Sports. Caldwell is highly sought after by top programs and has lined up a series of visits for the spring and summer.
Caldwell will take five unofficial visits in the spring, followed by four official visits in the summer, with two trips to USC. He will visit USC unofficially on April 26 and return for an official visit on June 6. Other schools on his radar include Georgia and Michigan, who will each get an unofficial visit in March. Caldwell will also take both an unofficial and official visit to Ohio State, and official visits to Notre Dame and Miami.
“I’m talking to other schools too, so I don’t want to rule them out, but right now, these are the main ones,” Caldwell told On3.
According to Tom Loy of 247Sports, USC is gaining momentum in Caldwell’s recruitment. “It’s clear that these visits will be crucial in determining his eventual decision,” Loy wrote. Despite being from Florida, Caldwell has shown significant interest in Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Caldwell has a strong connection to Ohio State through his family, noting, “My uncle coaches there, so I have family connections up there.” He also expressed admiration for Notre Dame’s culture and the people associated with the program.
Although Caldwell hasn’t visited USC yet, his April trip will mark his first impression of the Trojans. Coach Lincoln Riley and his staff have been hosting impressive visits for recruits, which they hope will be a deciding factor for Caldwell.
USC has been excelling in recruiting for the 2026 class, currently holding the No. 1 spot in national rankings, according to 247Sports. Their recruiting efforts are extending beyond California, bringing in talent from across the country, including linebacker Xavier Griffin from Georgia, four-star quarterback Jonas Williams from Illinois, and running back Shahn Alston from Ohio.
The Trojans’ defensive recruiting has been especially strong, with commitments from defensive lineman Simote Katoanga, edge rusher Braeden Jones, and cornerbacks RJ Sermons and Brandon Lockhart. They will be joined by elite coaching staff members, including defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and newly hired linebackers coach Rob Ryan.
While Caldwell hasn’t set a timeline for his commitment, he plans to visit the schools on his list and make his decision afterward. To land him, USC will need to deliver a standout visit.
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