USC and Oregon locking in early on 2026 California CB Brandon Lockhart
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Whatever conference they may be in at the time, current Pac-12 programs are jumping on Brandon Lockhart (6-2.5, 165) early. The four-star 2026 cornerback out of Loyola (Los Angeles) impressed throughout the offseason in 7-on-7 tournaments and college camps loading up 12 offers.
Oregon got Lockhart on campus over the summer and USC just hosted him for their season opener against San Jose State with both teams making an impact. The Trojans so much so, Lockhart rooted for USC over the Spartans, the team brother Justin plays for.
“The No. 1 team reaching out is definitely Oregon,” Lockhart said. “I did a Saturday Night Lights camp there; they showed great hospitality. I met all the coaches, they showed me around campus, and I took pictures. They show a lot of interest. They are one of the main ones staying on top of me showing interest compared to a lot of other schools.
“USC, they invited me for a visit for their game against San Jose State. I was going to be there anyway, my brother (Justin Lockhart) is a receiver there. I got to talk to coaches and be on the field at the game. Oregon and USC definitely.”
Being on the opposite sideline from the Spartans was an uncomfortable situation for the rising talent.
“It was a weird interaction,” Lockhart shared. “We know the coaches at San Jose State. They saw me and were waiving their hands at me. It was good to watch San Jose State play; overall, I was cheering for USC. Seeing those guys play, knowing this could be me, it was a great experience.”
More detail to the growing relationship with the Trojans’ coaching staff was shared, “I love the school. My mom graduated from there. Coach Donte (Williams – DB) is a heck of a coach. Coach Donte, coach Bookie (Radley-Hiles – DA), and coach Lincoln (Riley), we have a great relationship. I love the program. I have nothing negative to say about it. The influence my mom has on me with USC will play a major factor.”
Ducks’ fans may see Lockhart in Autzen Stadium come Sept. 23.
“Oregon, I might visit there for the Colorado game,” Lockhart stated.
As more teams learn of Lockhart’s skills, they will see the smooth cover corner taking on the top assignment week after week for the Cubs.
“We run a mixture of coverages,” Lockhart said. “We run a lot of man, some Cover 3, and Cover 2; we run everything. Specific sides have specific things to do. I usually man up on the No. 1 receiver, and the rest of the defense plays their zone.”
Throughout the season, Lockhart will continue to improve upon his skills.
“I am working on press techniques,” Lockhart stated. “Speed and strength are valuable in football and at my position. My DB coach at school, coach Fig, my 7-on-7 coach, and he coaches at Inglewood, have been helping me work on my craft and speed to be the best player I can be.
“I have to give a shout out to my coaches at Loyola, they have been big in my recruiting process. Coach Jerry Phillips, coach (Drew) Casani, and our offensive coordinator, he is a great influence on my character and who I am. I can’t forget my dad; he does everything for me.”
As Lockhart puts together more film for scouts to evaluate, new interest is developing.
“Michigan, and I know UCLA is interested,” Lockhart shared. “I have gone to a lot of their camps and talked to a lot of their coaches. They told me they don’t offer until a player’s junior year.”
The offer sheet for the 2026 talent includes Utah, Washington, Washington State, Penn State, Miami, Arizona, BYU, San Jose State, Nevada, San Diego State, Oregon, and USC.