USC football is officially back! The Trojans kicked off the 2015-16 season with a convincing 55-6 victory over Arkansas State on Saturday and are projected to be a major factor in the Pac-12 this season. While many are excited about the prospects of this year, the best is truly yet to come. After this season, Steve Sarkisian will be bringing in a recruiting class which is absolutely loaded with elite talent. The Trojans have long been a recruiting powerhouse, but this class has the potential to be really special. Here's a breakdown of who USC has landed thus far.
Note: The 247Sports Composite rankings are used as a reference.
5-star (1)
OLB Mique Juarez
If you watch the North High School (Torrance, Calif.) linebacker's highlight tape, you'll soon find out how scary good this kid is. The Trojans are working on developing a more versatile defense and Juarez is just what the doctor ordered. He currently is a two-way player who's played not only linebacker, but defensive line, safety and even quarterback. Juarez is a very active player and his freakish athleticism allows him to excel in stopping the run and defending the pass as well.
4-star (11)
WR Tyler Vaughns
This was a major pickup for USC, as the local product decided to stay home and play for the Trojans. Vaughns has the potential to be the next great wide receiver in Pasadena. The Bishop Amat star is a versatile receiver who can beat you in a number of different ways. He's extremely dangerous when going across the middle, but he can also beat you on the outside. Vaughns is a legitimate deep threat who possesses great hands.
WR Trevon Sidney
WR Josh Imatorbhebhe
OLB Daelin Hayes
In Juarez and Hayes, the Trojans have a ferocious tandem of the future at outside linebacker. Like Juarez, Hayes is very versatile, as evidenced by him playing running back in high school. USC will have to fend off an aggressive push from Notre Dame, however, as the Fighting Irish are trying to get the standout linebacker to flip.
WR Michael Pittman
OT Nathan Smith
DT Keyshon Camp
Camp is a top-20 player in the country at his position. He has pretty good size and with his athleticism, he should be able to play multiple positions on the Trojans' defensive line. Camp is really strong, but surprisingly quick enough to excel in pursuit as well. He is another player who could possibly flip, but for now we'll assume that he stays with the Trojans.
S C.J. Pollard
TE Cary Angeline
OT Frank Martin II
Martin is a mountain of a man 6-foot-5, 301 pounds. According to 247Sports, he is the No. 16 offensive tackle in the Class of 2016 and No. 151 overall prospect. Martin has a laundry list of suitors, but decided to take his talents to USC and he figures to play an enormous role in the coming years. If the Trojans are going to keep landing top skill players, they need guys to protect them.
QB Matt Fink
3-star (4)
WR Velus Jones Jr.
OLB Jordan Loveni Iosefa
DE Keanu Saleapaga
DE Liam Jimmons
The Trojans are currently ranked at No. 6 in the 247Sports Team Recruiting Rankings. Although this is a phenomenal class already, they are far from done. USC is still in the running for a couple top-50 players in the nation's No. 1 tight end Isaac Nauta and No. 3 athlete Jack Jones.
Even if they don't add anyone else, this is a special recruiting class. Reeling in two of the top-10 outside linebackers, two top-30 offensive tackles and four top-30 wide receivers is no small task. When considering USC's past three recruiting classes, it would almost be a failure if the Trojans don't make the CFB Playoffs by 2017.