Oregon surging to flip elite 2026 CB Brandon Lockhart from USC

Los Angeles Loyola four-star cornerback Brandon Lockhart joined USC’s 2026 recruiting class at the end of October.

The elite defensive back told On3’s Chad Simmons earlier this spring that he was still pledged to the Trojans, but his recruitment remained “open” and he intended on exploring his options. Now, a new team is trending for his commitment in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Oregon was high on Lockhart’s list before he committed to USC, and the Ducks have remained in the mix since. This month, Oregon recruiting insiders Justin Hopkins and Max Torres have each logged picks in favor of the Ducks flipping the 6-foot-1.5, 165-pounder.

Lockhart was back in Eugene in April, his third time on campus and his first since visiting for a game last fall. Defense assistant coach Rashad Woodad has developed a relationship with the four-star, who was once again impressed by the Ducks upon his most recent trip.

“I’ve known (Rashad) Wadood for a long time,” Lockhart told Scoop Duck. “Our families are really close. Families known each other for eight plus years, so I’ve always had a great relationship with him. But I think it’s more about building a good relationship with Coach Dan (Lanning), Coach Hampton … I’ve always had a good connection with a lot of the staff at Oregon.”

“Every time I go there, I seem to love it more and more.”

The likes of Georgia, Michigan and Notre Dame have also remained in touch with Lockhart, but it’s Oregon that’s now surging to pull him away from Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. The Ducks currently have just one commitment in the 2026 class via Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Mountain four-star defensive lineman Tony Cumberland, the No. 30 prospect and No. 2 DL in the cycle.

“I am looking for intensity,” Lockhart told Simmons in March. “That is what I want to see in practice. Then, I want to see how players are on and off the field on these visits. Who can build character and academics are very important. Every school is a good school, but I am looking for the after-school connections and who can help with life outside of football.” 

Lockhart is the No. 39 overall prospect and No. 2 CB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 6 player in California.