What Top-10 Recruit Kelvin Obot Said About USC Trojans, Michigan Wolverines

The USC Trojans are one of five teams on the radar for nation's No. 3 ranked offensive tackle recruit Kelvin Obot.

Obot is a 6-foot-6, 300-pound standout from Fruitland (Idaho) and made a significant leap in the latest On3 Player Rankings for the 2026 class. He now sits at No. 3 among offensive tackles and No. 9 overall, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after linemen in the country.

USC joins Michigan, Oregon, Nebraska, and Utah in Obot’s top five, according to a report from On3’s Hayes Fawcett. The Trojans have hosted Obot on campus, and their longstanding involvement in his recruitment has kept them in the mix as he narrows down his options.

Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

“They have been a part of my recruitment for a while now, and they’re building something special in LA,” Obot told On3.

The Trojans are no strangers to going national in pursuit of top-tier offensive linemen, and Obot fits the mold of what offensive coordinator Josh Henson and head coach Lincoln Riley have targeted in recent cycles. With his length, movement skills, and frame, Obot has drawn praise from evaluators as one of the most athletic tackles in the 2026 class.

While Oregon has been viewed as an early leader, USC’s presence in Obot’s recruitment remains steady. The Trojans hosted him previously and continue to make a push as they look to solidify their 2026 class.

As USC builds its offensive line depth for the future, Riley’s comments on recruiting “large, large human beings” offer insight into the program’s approach to the trenches.

“People that are very tough to move and that are good at moving other people,” Riley said, emphasizing the importance of size and strength in the offensive line.

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Obot has also visited the other four programs in his top five. He spent three days at Michigan earlier this spring and came away impressed with the Wolverines' staff and approach.

“I love their coaches, and the way they go about things.” Obot told On3.

Nebraska has recruited him aggressively, and Obot said the program reminds him of home. He also mentioned family ties in Utah and complimented the Utes’ consistency as a program.

However, USC’s pitch centers around development, opportunity, and the chance to be part of an offensive rebuild led by Riley. The Trojans have been active on the offensive line front in the 2026 class, already holding a commitment from four-star tackle Vlad Dyakonov and continuing to pursue multiple high-level trench prospects across the country.

Landing a player like Obot would mark a significant win for USC on the national stage. While there’s still a long way to go in the process, the Trojans have positioned themselves as a real contender.

Obot has not announced a commitment timeline, but the focus appears to be narrowing. As USC continues to push for top linemen in future classes, the Trojans remain in the thick of it for one of the most coveted prospects in the country.