USC Trojans Set to Host Elite California Recruit for San José State Opener

The USC Trojans are preparing for a busy recruiting weekend when they open the 2026 season against the San José State Spartans, with several prospects expected to be in attendance. Among them, however, one highly regarded California recruit has particularly caught the attention of USC supporters.

Excitement is already building around the 2026 USC football campaign. Entering the season ranked No. 14, the Trojans have generated plenty of buzz surrounding their chances of competing for a Big Ten championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Lincoln Riley and his coaching staff should have a strong crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the opener, with recruits also getting an opportunity to watch the program in action. One particular visitor could be especially significant for USC’s future recruiting plans.

Highly Rated 2028 Recruit Set to Visit USC

Four-star safety Jalen Flowers, one of the top prospects in the 2028 recruiting class, is expected to attend USC’s season opener against San José State. Multiple recruiting outlets reported his visit on Aug. 24.

Flowers is not only an important local prospect from the Palos Verdes Peninsula area but also one of California’s most highly regarded players. Rivals ranks him as the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, while the 247Sports composite has him at No. 3 among California recruits.

Recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong has also provided an intriguing update on USC’s pursuit of the 6-foot-2 defensive back. According to Wiltfong, Flowers’ relationship with the Trojans could extend well beyond the season opener.

The Rivals300’s No. 6-ranked safety is reportedly another defensive back USC is strongly pursuing, and the Trojans could be in a favorable position for the Palos Verdes High standout. Flowers is also expected to return to USC on Halloween for the Trojans’ matchup against Ohio State.

That would give Flowers two very different opportunities to evaluate USC. His first visit will allow him to see new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson’s unit in action against San José State on Aug. 29. His return on Oct. 31 would then put him in the middle of one of the season’s biggest Big Ten games, when USC faces Ohio State and the Buckeyes’ explosive quarterback-receiver combination of Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.

Jalen Flowers Brings the Athletic Ability USC Covets

Flowers has already shown impressive instincts and athleticism despite still being relatively early in his high school career.

The young safety possesses excellent range and has demonstrated an ability to track the football from the back end of the defense. As a sophomore playing varsity football last season, Flowers even recorded a spectacular one-handed interception.

His ability to read the quarterback and quickly identify where the ball is going stands out. Flowers is comfortable turning his hips, locating the football and closing on plays before opposing quarterbacks can fully develop their progressions.

His closing speed is another major part of his game, and that physical ability could continue to develop as he enters his junior season with the Sea Kings.

Flowers also has experience playing wide receiver, giving him an additional understanding of how opposing pass-catchers approach their routes. That background appears to help him recognize route concepts and anticipate what receivers are attempting to do.

The combination of size, range, football intelligence and offensive experience makes Flowers the type of versatile defensive back who could fit naturally into Patterson’s defensive system. His skill set could make him an intriguing long-term option for USC’s secondary.

Still, the Trojans will have plenty of competition for his commitment.

USC Faces Plenty of Competition for Flowers

Flowers is entering his first fall recruiting period with nearly 40 scholarship offers already on his résumé.

The California standout currently holds 37 offers from Power Four programs, giving him plenty of options as his recruitment develops. SEC powers Georgia and LSU are among the notable schools involved, while Miami has also extended an offer.

The Hurricanes have already made an impact recruiting defensive backs in Southern California, landing five-star cornerback Donte Wright from Long Beach Poly in the 2027 class.

USC, meanwhile, has already begun building toward what it hopes will become another elite recruiting class. The Trojans recently added highly regarded Frisco, Texas, dual-threat quarterback Trey Wright, and continuing to add premium defensive talent will be an important part of that effort.

Flowers could potentially become a centerpiece of that defensive recruiting effort. With his combination of athleticism, versatility and football instincts, the four-star safety is emerging as one of the most intriguing prospects on USC’s 2028 recruiting board.