Eli Woodard had glowing things to say about
USC during his college showcase at Temecula (Calif.)
Chaparral but less than two weeks later, the four-star receiver has backed off his pledge to the Trojans.
According to a source, Woodard was looking at other visits and the decision was made to part ways with USC if that was going to happen. A no-visit policy has been instituted by the Trojans and they weren’t going to back off that decision as Woodard’s camp was heavily considering other trips.
At the showcase,
Miami offensive coordinator
Shannon Dawson was keeping a close eye on the four-star receiver throughout the event and the Hurricanes have targeted Woodard and fellow USC commit
Quentin Hale to flip in this recruiting class.
According to another source, Hale’s mom is very close with USC and wants him to stay home but Miami has not slowed down recruiting the star receiver and has visited three times this offseason in pursuit of him.
Woodard, who is originally from the St. Louis area but moved to Southern California for more recruiting exposure, committed to USC in February over Oregon, Michigan and Missouri.
Another source said some NIL demands could have played a factor here as USC plans to have a smaller class than in 2026 when it finished No. 1 overall. With a massive budget for that top-rated class and a lot of firepower coming in 2028, there are budget considerations being made.
Plus, the reclassification of top receiver Roye Oliver from 2028 to 2027 fills out the class nicely pending Hale’s ultimate decision whether he sticks with USC or potentially flips to Miami.
. We are seated comfortably at the table before OVs, all you can ask for.
