Five-star OT Keenyi Pepe commits to USC's 2026 class

Five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe has committed to USC, becoming the top-ranked member of coach Lincoln Riley's 2026 recruiting class. Pepe, originally from Long Beach, California, currently plays at IMG Academy in Florida and is rated as ESPN's No. 3 offensive tackle and No. 17 overall prospect in his cycle. His commitment strengthens USC's recruiting class, which now features more ESPN 300 pledges for 2026 than any other program, including nine recruits ranked in the national top 150. Pepe, the younger brother of current USC defensive tackle Kobe Pepe, chose the Trojans over offers from Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Texas after an unofficial visit. His addition is seen as a major boost for USC's offensive line prospects and marks a significant step in the program's ongoing rebuild. Analysts note that Pepe's size and skillset, combined with his strong family ties to USC, position him as a potential impact player for the Trojans.