4-star Mater Dei DB visiting USC this weekend
USC will be getting an unofficial visit this weekend from one of the state’s top defensive backs. And he will not have to travel far. 2025 Mater Dei cornerback Chuck McDonald announced on Twitter/X he will be in the Coliseum for the game against Arizona.
McDonald is the No. 146 overall prospect and No. 16 cornerback in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 15 player in California.
Being such a local recruit, it comes as no surprise, but this will be McDonald’s eighth visit to USC, according to the On3 visit center.
McDonald has had a strong junior campaign so far in 2023. In five games, he has notched 14 tackles three pass deflections, and one interception.
In his career, he has 43 tackles and 10 pass deflections. He has also blocked two punts and caused a fumble.
McDonald will not be the only blue-chip defensive back in the Coliseum on Saturday. Also in attendance will be former Ohio State commit, four-star safety Jontae Gilbert and four-star cornerback Jett White, who was once committed to the Trojans.
The trio of defensive backs are among USC’s top targets overall in the 2025 cycle.
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine on McDonald
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder holds 19 offers. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), the USC Trojans have the best chance to land McDonald at 71.8%.
RPM was released to the public in December 2021. The On3 engineering group teamed up with Spiny.ai to create the industry’s first algorithm and machine learning-based product to predict where athletes will attend college.
It factors in machine learning, social sentiment, visits and historical trends. However, expert predictions are still a big piece of the RPM equation.
The Mater Dei standout has impressed evaluators
On3’s Cody Bellaire has given high praise to McDonald and his play style.
“Chuck McDonald is filled out and looks like he could play at the college level right now. His thick build combined with his length made him a matchup nightmare for slot receivers and tight ends. His physical style of play made it almost impossible for pass catchers to separate on underneath and intermediate routes. His change of direction and loose hips for a defender of his stature bodes well for him at the next level and is sure to be a dominant defender.”
