Massive Offensive Lineman Keenyi Pepe signs with USC

Several schools have shown tremendous interest in 2026 offensive lineman Keenyi Pepe since his freshman season, but the Trojans won out in the end. The high-upside offensive tackle from IMG Academy signed with USC over Miami, Florida, and Georgia.

Pepe reportedly bought his mom a new car with NIL money as an early birthday present and has never wavered since committing to the Trojans in May. Pepe’s pledge vaulted USC to the top spot in the team recruiting rankings, and the Trojans have held the top spot since.

The potential first-round talent originally from Southern California returns home to join several other top offensive linemen, including high school teammate and roommate Breck Kolojay. Pepe likes the direction that head coach Lincoln Riley is driving the program.

“Coach Riley has the program going in the right direction, and I like him and the staff. It is a school I am high on because of the coaches and the people there.”

The six-foot-seven, 325-pounder signs with elite trench players such as Kolojay and Esun Tafa, Vlad Dyakonov, Kannon Smith, John Fifita, and Chase Deniz.