Why 4-Star Recruit Jaimeon Winfield Chose USC Trojans Over Texas Longhorns

Four-star defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield has announced his commitment to the USC Trojans. Winfield joins Lincoln Riley's No. 1 recruiting class, picking USC over the Texas Longhorns. Winfield is a versatile athlete who will be a big addition to USC.

Angela Miele | Mar 15, 2025

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian watches from the sideline during the first half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans have the No. 1 recruiting class of 2026, and they have a lot of momentum. Four-star defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield has announced his commitment to the USC Trojans on Friday.

Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Winfield is the No. 84 recruit in the nation, the No. 7 defensive lineman, and the No. 11 player from Texas. Winfield had many offers, but it was believed he would stay in his home state. In the end, Winfield chose to go to Southern California instead of Texas, SMU, and Texas A&M.

USC defensive line coach Eric Henderson has been a massive recruiter for USC and has done it again with Winfield. USC has been in Winfield for a while, and Henderson was the first one to offer the defensive lineman a scholarship.

Winfield is an explosive athlete and will be a big addition to the USC defense. Richardson (TX.) High School coach Kendrick Holloway spoke to On3 about the type of player Winfield is.

“He’s very athletic,” Holloway said. “The sky is the limit for him. Has a really great ball get off. That helps with timing and athleticism. He’s a guy we can move and play any position on the D-line. For us, he’s an interior guy, but he’s also athletic enough to play end.”

Winfield knows exactly how he wants to be utilized, and by committing to USC over schools such as Texas, the defensive lineman believes he will be used how he wants with the Trojans.

“I don’t believe I am a 0 (technique). I believe I am a 3 or a 1,” Winfield told On3 when discussing his versatility.

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While Winfield is a defensive tackle, Henderson could put him anywhere on the line. The USC Trojans' defense is going to be gritty with Winfield and his fellow incoming recruits.

Though it appeared that Winfield would stay in his home state, a visit to USC on March 7 changed that. Henderson and the USC staff made a strong impression, which led to Winfield committing to the Trojans.

Winfield is joining an elite defense with the class of 2026. The No. 1 recruiting class includes 15 commitments, 10 of which are four-star players. Since securing the No. 1 spot, USC has had all the momentum and is not slowing down.

“We’re going to major in high school recruiting and minor in the portal. We’re not just recruiting the kids, we’re recruiting families,” USC general manager Chad Bowden said in his inaugural press conference.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Winfield joins four-star recruits Simote Katoanga and Braeden Jones on the defensive line. On the defense, USC has also recruited four-star cornerbacks Brandon Lockhart and RJ Sermons and the No. 2 linebacker in the nation, Xavier Griffin.

With the recruiting momentum, USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are also building well on the offensive side of the ball. USC has recruited multiple four-star players including quarterback Jonas Williams, running back Shahn Alston, and wide receiver Trent Mosley.

With an elite defensive coaching staff of Henderson, defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, and linebackers coach Rob Ryan, plus the incoming recruits, USC is set to have a dominant defense for a couple of years. Winfield is an elite addition to the USC Trojans, and with their recruiting success, they could be in contention for the College Football Playoffs for years to come.

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