USC lands pledge from 5-star OT Keenyi Pepe

USC continues to make moves in the 2026 recruiting class, landing a commitment from 5-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe.

The 6-foot-8, 325-pound Pepe is the No. 3-ranked offensive tackle and No. 17 overall prospect for 2026 on the ESPN 300.

Pepe highlighted the Trojans' persistent pursuit of him and head coach Lincoln Riley's leadership as factors in his decision.

"Coach Riley has the program going in the right direction, and I like him and the staff," Pepe said, according to ON3's Hunter Shelton. "It is a school I am high on because of the coaches and the people there."

The Southern California native visited the school last weekend.

Pepe becomes USC's highest-rated commit in the 2026 recruiting cycle. The Trojans have gained 12 verbal pledges from ESPN 300 prospects to date. Cornerback R.J. Sermons and linebacker Xavier Griffin are two of the Trojans' other notable commitments.