The USC Trojans have begun their 2027 recruiting class, aiming to maintain their strong momentum. One of the top targets is four-star defensive back Danny Lang, a California native who has drawn interest from several elite programs.

According to Rivals, Lang has scheduled a meeting with the Trojans on Monday, Jan. 19, and is considered a frontrunner for the program. However, he is expected to take visits with other schools before making his final decision. This approach allows him to explore all his options thoroughly, ensuring he makes the best choice for his future.

USC’s Connection To Mater Dei

Lang currently plays high school football at Mater Dei in California, a school that has produced numerous successful recruits for the Trojans. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, Lang is ranked No. 192 nationally, No. 22 at safety, and No. 20 in California. His strong performance and reputation have made him a valuable target for USC, which has a proven track record of landing players from Mater Dei.

The Trojans’ 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 1 in the nation, featuring elite signees such as five-star tight end Mark Bowman and four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. These players have helped establish USC as a dominant force in California recruiting.

Dixon-Wyatt was initially committed to Ohio State but ultimately flipped his commitment to USC. A key factor in this decision was a staff change at Ohio State, which allowed USC to remain competitive in the race. Additionally, his teammates at Mater Dei strongly encouraged him to consider USC.

“It was a bunch of teammates,” Dixon-Wyatt said after committing. “They were pushing for me. I got to talk to the head coach [Lincoln Riley], I got on the phone with him and had a good conversation, but my friends do what they do.”

This dynamic is significant in the pursuit of Lang, as the Trojans’ only 2027 commitment so far is four-star cornerback Aaryn Washington, who is a Mater Dei teammate of Lang’s. Washington could play a key role in helping USC recruit Lang, leveraging their existing relationship and shared experience.

USC has significantly improved its in-state recruiting since hiring general manager Chad Bowden. In the 2026 class, the team signed 35 players, with 57 percent being in-state athletes. This is a marked improvement from the 2025 class, where only 24 percent of signees were from California. Bowden has been instrumental in this shift, and his efforts have already paid off with the recruitment of Lang.

The four-star recruit has met with Bowden, highlighting the program’s serious interest in securing his commitment. Additionally, USC has a strong history of developing defensive backs who go on to play professionally. Since 2023, the program has had at least one defensive back drafted each year, making it an attractive option for prospects like Lang.

Lang’s father, Danny Lang Sr., has spoken about his son’s decision-making process. He emphasized that Lang wants to take his time and visit all his top programs before making a commitment.

“He wants to check out all his schools. He wants to take his time and see as many schools as we can because we’re supposed to go back to Ohio State in the spring, supposed to go back to Oregon in the spring and USC is up the street so we’re there all the time,” Lang Sr. said.

This careful approach underscores the importance of finding the right fit for Lang’s future. While USC remains a strong contender, the competition for his commitment is fierce, and the final decision will likely come down to a combination of factors, including academic opportunities, coaching staff, and long-term goals.