Latest news with #LukeWafle
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
USC football makes another huge recruiting splash, lands four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle
USC football makes another huge recruiting splash, lands four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle Stop me if you have heard this one before: USC football just landed another massive recruit. On Thursday morning, the Trojans picked up a commitment from four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle. Wafle is from Princeton, New Jersey. 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 55 overall player and the No. 6 edge rusher in the class of 2026. Here is 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins's evaluation of Wafle: "Force-based defensive end that's a tackle collector on the edge," Ivins wrote. "Measured roughly 6-foot-5, 245 pounds spring before senior year and came in with some promising features. Racks up stops when ball carriers near his gaps as he has the strength and power to will his way to wins. Not always the quickest off the snap, but has the awareness to move laterally and beat cutoffs. Heavy hands and a diesel engine tend to produce most of his quarterback pressures as he defeats protection by trying to ram his way through it. Spent junior season working out of a three-point stance in a modified four-man front where he was frequently asked to play over offensive tackles. Likely to find most success in a similar alignment on Saturdays as he's built for box-based football with his toughness and football IQ. Might need some time to find his footing, but projects as a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff contender that can do the dirty work." Chad Bowden and Lincoln Riley are continuing to land elite talent on the recruiting trail. If the Trojans can hold their 2026 class together, it has the potential to be, on paper, at least, one of the best recruiting classes in USC football history.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ohio State Dealt Bad News on Coveted Star on Thursday
Ohio State Dealt Bad News on Coveted Star on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Ohio State Buckeyes experienced both a high and low on the recruiting trail Thursday. The Buckeyes received a commitment from four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson. But the program also failed to land four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle. Advertisement On3's Steve Wiltfong reported Thursday that Wafle committed to the USC Trojans instead of the Buckeyes. "The Trojans were tracking for Wafle's commitment coming out of last weekend's official visit to Los Angeles," Wiltfong wrote. "Ohio State upped its NIL package and began to trend Wednesday morning. USC then made a counter-offer to that and ultimately got the pledge locked in. "We're hearing Wafle's package is between 2.2 and 2.6 million dollars over two years." Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Trojans quickly rose up Wafle's school rankings after he visited USC during the spring. In addition to Ohio State, Wafle chose the Trojans over the Penn State Nittany Lions, Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators. Advertisement Wiltfong wrote that Wafle also showed interested in the Oklahoma Sooners and North Carolina Tar Heels. The 247Sports composite rankings have Wafle rated as the No. 1 New Jersey prospect and sixth-best edge rusher in the 2026 recruiting class. The same set of rankings also placed Wafle at No. 55 overall in the entire class. It's a disappointing miss for the Buckeyes. However, with the addition of Johnson on Thursday, Ohio State still has 16 commitments and the No. 3-ranked 2026 recruiting class, based on the 247Sports ratings. At edge rusher, the Buckeyes have landed a commitment from four-star prospect Khary Wilder, who is the No. 241 overall recruit in the class according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Advertisement Related: Ohio State Gets Good News on Highly Touted Star on Thursday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
USC earns commitment from coveted blue chip DE Luke Wafle
One of the top defensive end prospects in the country is off of the board, as class of 2026 four-star defender Luke Wafle announced his commitment to USC on Thursday. Wafle ranks as the No. 85 overall recruit in the Rivals250. He also ranks as the No. 1 prospect in the state of New Jersey and the No. 6 defensive end in the 2026 cycle. Advertisement In May, The Hun School of Princeton star released a top-five of USC, Ohio State, Florida, Penn State and Texas. He took official visits to four of those schools, but is no longer expected to take a previously planned trip to see the Longhorns that was previously scheduled for this weekend (June 20 through June 22). This recruitment was highly-competitive and came down to the wire, with the Trojans ultimately winning out. He took his official visit to Los Angeles this past weekend, June 13 through June 15. He also took an official visit to USC in April. At USC, Wafle will play under head coach Lincoln Riley, defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, co-defensive coordinator/run game coordinator/defensive line coach Eric Henderson, defensive ends coach Shaun Nua and the rest of the staff. Nearly every Power Four program was in pursuit of Wafle during his recruitment. Advertisement In addition to the schools already mentioned, Waffle had scholarship offers from Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami (FL.), Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Stanford, Syracuse, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin and several others. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Wafle recorded 53 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks as a junior in 2024. He helped lead the Raiders to a 9-1 finish on the campaign. Todd Smith, head football coach at The Hun School of Princeton, broke down Wafle's game and explained why he is one of the most sought-after defensive linemen in the country. "Luke Wafle is the total package — a dominant defensive lineman with elite physical traits, a relentless work ethic and the kind of quiet leadership that lifts an entire program," Smith said. "He has a college-ready frame right now — long, strong and explosive off the ball. His first step is violent, his hands are heavy, and he plays with advanced technique for a high school player. Luke controls the line of scrimmage, sheds blocks with ease, and brings the kind of power that wears opponents down over four quarters. He's not just big — he moves with fluidity and purpose, making him a nightmare matchup across the front." Advertisement Additionally, Smith highlighted Wafle's leadership and character traits. "Off the field, he's humble, respectful and deeply respected by teammates and coaches," Smith explained about Wafle. "Luke has already left a lasting mark on our program at The Hun School, and the best part is — we still get one more season with him. He's committed to USC and will be entering the Big Ten next year, and there's no doubt he'll be ready to contribute right away. Luke is a culture-changer — he makes your locker room better, your standards higher and your team tougher." Wafle's older brother, Owen Wafle, is a defensive tackle for Penn State. USC's No. 1-ranked 2026 class now includes 30 total commitments. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT
