USC signs Rivals 5-star EDGE Luke Wafle

Middletown (N.J.) Hun School EDGE Luke Wafle, Rivals’ No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle, has signed with USC.

Committed to the Trojans since June 19, the impressive pass-rusher is a key piece to the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class — per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. He’s long been an outlier in the Rivals300 and remains one of the top prospects in the nation after his senior campaign.

The recruitment of Wafle really took off in the spring as he took a slew of visits, getting a look at just about every high-profile program that was after his pledge. Penn State and Florida were in the thick of things, but his summer decision ultimately came down to USC and Ohio State.

USC had the momentum after Wafle took his official visit to Los Angeles. Ohio State then looked to have the edge after he made the trip to Columbus, but USC didn’t quit. Rivals reported that the two Big Ten programs were going back and forth on the NIL front, which led to a late see-saw battle that had both thinking they were in good position less than 48 hours out from his decision.

Just hours before Wafle announced on June 19, though, predictions went back in favor of the Trojans. He picked the West Coast program and has remained in the fold since.

“The people, the development,” Wafle told Rivals about what sticks out with USC. “Coach Nua, Coach Henny, Coach Lynn are just genuine great humans … I think USC has a bright future.”

Playing for one of the top high school programs in New Jersey, Wafle tallied 99 total tackles and a whopping 23 sacks. He ranks as the lone five-star commit for USC, per the Rivals300. The Trojans also have a commitment from industry five-star tight end Mark Bowman and 11 other top-150 prospects, forming the No. 1 class in the nation.

Luke Wafle Scouting Summary

Rivals’ Scouting and Rankings Team writes this of Wafle as a prospect:

“The most ready-to-play top EDGE prospect in the 2026 cycle. Measured over 6-foot-5, 255 pounds with arms over 33 inches and big hands prior to his senior season. More physically mature than many of his highly-rated peers. Combines play strength and motor with functional athleticism. Wins at the point of attack with a powerful punch and the ability to convert speed to power. Uses quick power swipes to disengage from offensive linemen. Shows multiple pass-rush pathways and closing speed to finish behind the line of scrimmage. Nimble mover who breaks down well in space. A violent finisher who drives ball carriers into the ground. Strong, consistent run defender due to physicality and effort. Logged 18 TFLs and 8 sacks in nine games as a junior.

…Best fit as a true defensive end in a four-man front at the college level. First-step quickness remains an area for improvement. Touts a strong multi-sport background with above-the-rim bounce on the basketball court and a 45-6 foot shot put mark. Slightly older for the grade, common for northeastern prep school prospects. Could be primed for an impact as a true freshman given his level of development and physical maturity.”