It seems Texas has finally been rolling on the field this season. They’re sitting at 7-2 overall and firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation with wins over ranked opponents like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. But while the on-field success keeps climbing, something strange has been happening on the recruiting trail. Their commitments keep walking away. 

Just days ago, four-star defensive lineman Dylan Berymon decommitted for the second time in 24 hours. Now comes another blow from an even younger class, as four-star linebacker Taven Epps announced Sunday evening that he’s reopening his recruitment after being committed to Texas since April.​ Hayes Fawcett of Rivals broke the news Sunday, confirming that the 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker from Tustin had backed off his pledge to the Longhorns.

The reaction from recruiting analysts was immediate and pointed. Justin Wells from Inside Texas tweeted, “Watch USC here,” making it clear where he believes Taven Epps is headed. But USC is not the only big player in the game.

Notre Dame is up and strong in Taven Epps’ recruiting, too. Mike Singer also reported that “Epps visited Notre Dame for the USC game.” He referred to the October 19 trip when Epps watched the Fighting Irish beat the Trojans. 

But despite that Notre Dame visit, the buzz around Taven Epps somehow keeps circling back to USC. Riley and his staff have been relentlessly pursuing the Tustin star all fall. They’ve hosted him and made it clear they want to keep California’s top linebacker home.​ USC hosted Epps in September for its game against Michigan State. He sat in the recruit section alongside his Tustin High teammates, four-star DB Khalil Terry and four-star defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams.

After that visit, Epps spoke glowingly about the experience, telling 247Sports that USC linebackers coach Rob Ryan “let me know he wanted me to be a Trojan and stay in California.” The Trojans view Epps as a versatile piece who can play linebacker or EDGE, giving defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn multiple ways to deploy his length and athleticism.  Riley has made local recruiting his priority in the 2026 and 2027 cycles.

He is trying to recapture the Pete Carroll-era philosophy of locking down California’s elite talent. With 17 California commitments already in the 2026 class, the Trojans are building momentum. In-state prospects are starting to say, “I want to go play at the Coliseum” again.​ Taven Epps is a legitimate difference-maker who brings size, versatility, and production to whoever lands him.

Ranked as the No. 78 overall prospect nationally by 247Sports, the No. 5 linebacker in the country, and the No. 10 player in California. If Riley can close the deal on Epps, it would be a massive statement about the Trojans’ renewed commitment to dominate California recruiting. 

The Fighting Irish aren’t backing down

USC might be drawing the most attention in Epps’ recruitment. But Notre Dame has been working just as hard to make an impression. Marcus Freeman built his reputation as one of the nation’s elite linebackers coaches before becoming a defensive coordinator and then Notre Dame’s head man, giving the Fighting Irish a unique selling point when recruiting for the position. 

Freeman had Epps on campus on October 19 for the USC game. Epps got to watch the Irish beat the Trojans while meeting legends like Joe Montana and Tim Brown. Epps witnessed firsthand what Notre Dame’s defense can do against USC. It had to sting a little for Lincoln Riley’s recruiting pitch. Freeman’s staff made it clear they view Epps as a cornerstone piece. He fits the physical, hard-nosed identity that Notre Dame has built its program around.​

The Fighting Irish are playing the long game here. They know that they can’t compete with USC’s geographic proximity. So, they are betting on their tradition, coaching pedigree, and development track record. Notre Dame has been in constant contact with the Tustin star since offering him, hosting him in October alongside visits to Oklahoma, Georgia, USC, and Alabama.