USC in Close Recruiting Battle with UCLA Over Trojans Legacy
USC in Close Recruiting Battle with UCLA Over Trojans Legacy
The UCLA Bruins are pushing for a USC Trojans recruiting target with family connections to USC.Luke Perez|
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USC TrojansAfter hosting summer workouts, meetings and campus tours it seemed as if USC had reeled in legacy Trojan Chauncey Washington II when they sent him an offer on June 11. Instead the Trojans are still waiting on the four-star safety, and interest in USC’s crosstown rival could be delaying his decision.
According to 247Sports, the 2028 recruit currently has offers from Arizona, Cal, Nebraska, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Washington, Hawaii and, the biggest threat to the Trojans, UCLA. The Bruins beat the Trojans to the punch, sending their offer to Washington II back in May.
Washington’s Trojan Legacy
Washington’s father of the same name was a running back for the Trojans from 2003-2007, playing alongside LenDale White and Reggie Bush under former head coach Pete Carroll.
He finished his career at USC with 1,778 rushing yards (No. 22 all-time) and 19 touchdowns. Washington was then drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2008 NFL Draft. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and the St. Louis Rams during his pro career.
Following their offer, USC jumped as early favorites for the talents of Washington II.
Washington’s Ties to UCLA
Per Adam Gorney of On3/Rivals, Washington II was disappointed that the Trojans hadn't reached out to him sooner following his freshman and sophomore seasons. In that two-year span, the Orange Lutheran (Calif.) prospect recorded 89 total tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Although Washington played for the Trojans, he grew up a Bruins fan. While it is debatable that his father’s fandom will sway his decision, Washington II has shared that he is drawn to UCLA’s new coaching staff.
“[UCLA] are recruiting pretty big right now,” Washington II told Gorney. “They’re doing something special up there. That’s all I’m going to say. They’re doing something very special and from their commits and the new staff, they definitely know what they’re doing. There’s a chance. And it’s real, too.”
For the 2026-2027 college football season, UCLA chose Bob Chesney as their new head coach. The 2025 Sun Belt Coach of the Year has an overall record of 132-25. When he was at the helm of James Madison, Chesney led the Dukes to their first-ever Sun Belt Conference Championship and College Football Playoff berth.
Similar to the Trojans, Chesney and the Bruins are focusing on in-state talent. In their 2027 recruiting class, 12 of their 22 commits are from California:
- Five-star athlete JuJu Johnson
- Four-star safety Pole Moala
- Three-star edge Godschoice Eboigbodin
- Three-star receiver Kingston Celifie
- Three-star safety Khalil Terry
- Three-star defensive lineman Khalil Terry
- Three-star running back Duece Jones-Drew
- Three-star receiver Rob Larson
- Three-star tackle Thurman Lyles
- Three-star receiver Michael Farinas
- Three-star offensive lineman Gage Esty
- Three-star linebacker Mike Davis Jr.
247Sports ranks the class No. 16 in the nation while On3/Rivals have it No. 17. As for the Big Ten, the Bruins’ 2027 class ranked fifth while USC came in third.
USC’s Battle to Retain Home-Grown Talent
As Lincoln Riley and the Trojans focus on the 2028 and 2029 recruiting pool, the biggest challenge they face is keeping in-state talent. The shift began in 2025 with the full picture coming together in 2026 when the Trojans brought in the No. 1 overall class.
For 2027, USC has a smaller class of 14 players – nine of which are from California. The class currently holds a national rank of No. 13 (247Sports) and No. 10 (On3/Rivals).
As for 2028, USC took a blow as they lost out on Bellflower receiver Austin Miller to Ohio State.
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Published 1 hour ago
LUKE PEREZLuke A. Perez is a writer for USC Trojans On SI. Luke started his sports career as a recreational flag and tackle football coach. He continues his passion for coaching as a Youth Engagement Coach for the Los Angeles Rams where he serves the L.A. community. At Azusa Pacific University, where Luke received his BA in Journalism, he worked as the News Section Editor for the student-run media outlet. Shortly after graduating, Luke joined 247Sports as a Trending Sports Writer. Luke became a high school sports contributor for Southern California News Group to cover football in the San Gabriel Valley. When Luke isn't watching football or combat sports, he's at the movies, checking out new cafes, catching up on books, or enjoying a run at the beach.
Follow lukeeanthonyyHome/Football
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
