USC's Newest Recruit Turns Heads with Incredible One-Handed Catch

The USC Trojans recently added wide receiver Quentin Hale to their 2027 recruiting class. The four-star recruit recently participated in Nike's "The Opening," and one highlight reel catch was proof of his perfect fit with USC.

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans newest 2027 recruit to commit, wide receiver Quentin Hale jumps off the page as a 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver from Corona, California, Hale committed to USC on Feb. 20 and chose the Trojans over programs like LSU, Oklahoma and Texas.

What Hale brings to the program is height and talent, something that the Trojans will have after the 2026 class has one season in coach Lincoln Riley's system. Hale recently competed in "The Opening" and his highlight reel catch turned heads.

Quentin Hale Hauls in One-Handed Catch

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

At "The Opening" at the Los Angeles Rams Training Center, Hale was among prospects from the 2027, 2028 and 2029 recruiting classes showcasing their talent through positional drills, one-on-ones, and more. In one play caught on camera, Hale's one-handed catch caught the eyes of college football fans and sparked conversation about his skillset at a young age.

The Opening is an invite-only exhibition camp for top high school football prospects, setting up camps in various regions of the country at NFL facilities like the Rams, Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons to name a few. Hale earned MVP honors, which seals his ticket to the Opening Finals at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

#USC commit Quentin Hale’s one-handed catch from The Opening Los Angeles today.
Hale earned MVP honors.

🎥: @LSM_714 @QuentinHalee15 pic.twitter.com/VLwKO1UPSw

— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) February 23, 2026

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The four-star prospect is USC's fourth commit in the 2027 class alongside cornerback Aaryn Washington, wide receiver Eli Woodward and defensive lineman Isaia Vandermade. Even with just four hard commits for the class, USC ranks No. 18, per 247Sports, among 2027 recruiting classes.

USC Trojans general manager Chad Bowden hired from Notre Dame Fighting Irish | USC Trojans Video Youtube

Hale's presence on the field does not go unnoticed with his frame and his production. As a receiver, Hale thrives most with his athleticism to connect with any pass and his ability to block after a catch. His receiver presence, especially after his one-handed catch, could remind Trojan fans of a recent USC receiver.

Quentin Hale Has Ja'Kobi Lane Like Traits

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Former USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane recently departed for the 2026 NFL Draft and left his mark as a talented Trojan receiver. What USC fans remember vividly about Lane was his ability to find a deep ball and consistently produce scores in the red zone. This season alone, Lane caught multiple unforgettable one-handed catches that cemented his skill, similar to what Hale delivered at "The Opening."

Hale's size and tendencies mirror those of Lane's, which is a great sign for the development of the Trojans' wide receiver room. Lane finished three seasons with the Trojans with 1,363 receiving yards on 99 receptions and 18 touchdowns. In December, Lane announced his decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft with wide receiver counterpart Makai Lemon following suit a few weeks later, leaving the receiver competition wide open this fall for younger talent.

For Hale, his arrival in 2027 will be crucial, especially with transfer wide receiver Terrell Anderson entering his final collegiate season in 2026. That timeline allows USC’s current receivers to continue developing while setting the stage for Hale and his class to step into larger roles.