Trojans beat Oregon, Oklahoma for local star
USC football will not take the field for the 2026 season until late August. Still, Lincoln Riley was busy on the recruiting trail, as USC has already locked up some 2027 commitments.
Now, the Trojans have fulfilled their third obligation for the class of 2027, per Hayes Favcett of Rivals and On3.
Three-star defensive end Isaiah Vandermade has committed to USC. The Rancho Santa Margarita, California native chose the Trojans over Oregon and Oklahoma.
Vandermade is the nation’s 739th-ranked player, 80th-ranked defensive tackle and 80th-ranked player from California according to 247Sports composite rankings. He joins four-star cornerback Aaron Washington of IMG Academy and three-star wide receiver Eli Wuard as commitments for the 2027 class.
The offer from USC came just a week ago, and it took a while for Vandermade to sign with the Trojans. He spoke with On3’s Scott Schrader about his advocacy.
“Man, that was a surreal moment for me for sure,” Vandermade said. “Growing up, my dad not only played at USC, he coached there for 10 years. I was always at USC and I grew up idolizing the players. Coach (Shaun) Nua called me about the USC offer, and then he got me on the phone with Coach (Skiller) Jones, who offered me. It’s definitely a big blessing.”
His father, Lenny Vandermade, played offensive line for USC from 2000 to 2003 after redshirting in 1999. He started all four years for the Trojans, his last three under Pete Carroll as USC rebuilt into a national power. The elder Vandermade would then coach at USC from 2009 to 2012, as well as from 2014 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2022.
USC will likely open the season as a top-25 teamand is scheduled to open the season on August 29, although the opponent is currently unknown.
2026-02-17 18:42:00
