Honor Fa”alave-Johnson, the nation”s top athlete in college football, has officially committed to the USC Trojans. The announcement came as the highly anticipated early signing period for the 2027 recruiting class approaches in December. Fa”alave-Johnson hails from San Diego, California, and has chosen Lincoln Riley”s program over several elite schools, including LSU, Notre Dame, Texas, Oregon, and Miami.
With his remarkable speed, clocked at nearly 23 miles per hour during games, it is evident that Fa”alave-Johnson is a coveted recruit. However, he indicated that his decision was influenced by a strong personal connection to USC, which he felt was unmatched by the other programs. “It”s about this state, my name, and the lineage that comes with USC, especially for players from San Diego,” Fa”alave-Johnson told 247Sports. He expressed confidence in his choice, stating, “I know it”s early, but I am really confident in my decision.” Despite the intense pursuit from other schools, he found clarity in his commitment as he reflected on his options.
Initially, Fa”alave-Johnson had reservations about making an early commitment. However, his relationship with Coach Lincoln Riley played a pivotal role in his decision. “I kept going back to the same thing — why wait? The coaching staff made a huge difference for me. I”ve built such a great bond with coach Lincoln Riley and it feels like we talk just about every day,” he remarked. Although he acknowledged that he still needs to develop relationships with the new defensive coaches, he is eager to contribute to recruiting efforts for USC moving forward.
Fa”alave-Johnson”s commitment boosts USC”s recruiting class to the No. 13 position nationally, as he stands out as the top-ranked player in this class. According to 247Sports” rankings, he is also regarded as the No. 22 player overall in the country and the top athlete in California. In his previous season with Cathedral Catholic High School, he showcased his versatility by rushing for 1,532 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns, along with making 35 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 40 tackles and three interceptions. His skills suggest a future role as a safety at the collegiate level.
