$999-million college football team emerges as biggest spender on 2026 recruiting class

USC has emerged as the likely biggest spender in the 2026 college football recruiting cycle, according to a report by On3Sports. The Trojans reportedly allocated $10-$12 million to recruit top freshman talent, securing a 36-player class that includes three five-star recruits and two of the top seven national players. This strategic investment was made ahead of a new revenue-sharing agreement, allowing USC to assemble a strong class.

USC's football program, valued at $999 million, appears to have leveraged its financial resources to gain a competitive edge in recruiting. Despite the significant investment, questions remain about the potential return on this spending. The Trojans, under Coach Lincoln Riley, have not secured a double-digit win season since his initial 11-3 record, and the team faces stiff competition in the Big Ten, which has produced recent College Football Playoff champions.

The effectiveness of USC's spending will be tested in the coming seasons, as the program aims to translate its high-profile recruits into