Why Elite Texas Recruit Kohen Brown Committed to USC Trojans Over SMU, Baylor

The USC Trojans have landed their second commitment in the last 24 hours in Waxahachie (Texas) three-star receiver Kohen Brown. He joins Mater Dei (Calif.) four-star defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui.

USC is now up to 19 commitments in their No. 1 ranked recruiting class for the 2026 cycle. Brown is the Trojans third receiver commit, joining Santa Margarita (Calif.) four-star Trent Mosley and Sierra Canyon (Texas) three-star Ja’Myron Baker.

The Texas native was on campus last week for a two-day visit and left impressed by his time in Los Angeles.

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

“They’re definitely my number one right now,” Brown told On3. “California is beautiful, I did not think I was gonna love this much. People told me I was going to like it a lot, but then I got there and they showed me a lot of love. I love the city out there, I love the campus and I love how the players interact. I love the culture and I just started falling in love with all of it.”

Tight ends and inside receivers coach Chad Savage visited Brown in January shortly after he was hired. The Trojans offered the talented pass catcher from the Lone Star State a couple of weeks later and quickly started gaining momentum.

Max Stienecker, who previously served as the general manager at Wisconsin, joined the Trojans staff as the Executive Director of Player Personnel in early February. Stienecker has played a crucial role in the Trojans recruiting surge this spring.

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“I think growing up, I think a lot of them have USC as a school we’re interested in,” Brown told On3. “I mean, they’ve had great coaches and great players. And then Lincoln Riley, who doesn’t want to play for Lincoln Riley? He pulls your attention.

“Coach Savage came in when he first got the job and he offered me a couple weeks later. After that I found out I was a top priority for him. Some teams offer and that’s it, but USC kept in close contact. Shout out to Max (Stienecker), he stays in my phone and let me know I’m priority early,” Brown continued.

USC general manager Chad Bowden has his handprints all over the Trojans recruiting efforts. His arrival has reenergized the program and high school recruits are jumping at the opportunity to be a part of it.

“I love Chad, he’s an upfront dude and I like that about him,” Brown told On3. “A lot of schools, they’ll tell you what you want to hear. He’s telling you honest truth and he definitely wants me to enroll. I don’t know how to explain it, but if you’re getting recruited, he gonna let you know the truth.”

The Trojans show no signs of slowing down on the recruiting trail and are on pace to finish with their highest ranked recruiting class in over a decade.

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