Aydin Breland, nation's No. 4 defensive lineman, trims list to 10; USC firmly in mix

In this fall's preseason polls, Mater Dei (California) will likely be high school football's No. 1 team in the country.

That's thanks to a loaded roster that features multiple national recruits, including quarterback Elijah Brown, running backs Nathaniel Frazier and Jordon Davison, wide receiver Marcus Harris, offensive linemen Brandon Baker and DeAndre Carter, edge-rusher Nasir Wyatt and defensive backs Zabien Brown, Daryus Dixon and Chuck McDonald.

Making a case as the best of the group is class of 2024 five-star prospect Aydin Breland, the nation's No. 25 overall prospect and No. 4 defensive lineman.

For much of his recruitment, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound defender has remained open to all schools, but Friday provided a major glimpse into his process, as he announced a top 10.

Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M and USC made the cut.

Where’s home at ⁉️ 🏠 🤔 pic.twitter.com/aOqf4J76a5
— Aydin Breland (@AydinBreland) May 13, 2023

While Breland has kept his pecking order private, USC has seemed to be a major contender for some time.

In fact, he told On3 that the Trojans were likely to make the cut last month.

“Most definitely, USC is one of my 10 schools,” Breland said. “It’s the hometown school and you’ve got to keep them under consideration. They show nothing but love and I love what Lincoln Riley (is) doing with that program. I still need to take everything in and see everyone recruiting that’s me. ..."

Somewhat surprisingly, Colorado and Penn State did not make the list, despite hosting Breland on unofficial visits earlier this year.

Overall, it's an intriguing year in the state of California, as only one top-10 prospect from the state has announced his college decision - Carlsbad five-star quarterback Julian Sayin to Alabama.

According to 247Sports, the top four uncommitted players all hail from Mater Dei - Baker, Breland, Elijah Brown and Zabien Brown.

Expect college coaches to flock to Mater Dei's campus this fall if that remains the case through the summer months.

An Breland may end up as the biggest prize of them all.

Junior season highlights