USC made a huge investment in its defensive line in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

Since joining the Big Ten in 2024, the Trojans have made it a priority to sign elite defensive line prospects to build a front that could not only compete with the rest of the conference, but could become a dominant unit.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

USC pulled Richardson (Texas) five-star defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield out of the Lone Star State after just one visit last spring.…