The USC Trojans made a strong statement in the 2027 recruiting class by signing wide receiver Eli Woodard. According to Rivals Industry Rankings, he is a four-star prospect, the No. 24 wide receiver, and the No. 168 player in the country, standing at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds.
He committed to the Trojans on February 10, choosing them over offers from the Michigan Wolverines, Missouri Tigers, Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, Utah Utes, and Washington Huskies.
Since then, though, many teams have been campaigning for a switch. On April 30, On3’s EJ Holland reported that the Miami Hurricanes had made Woodard an offer. Fortunately for USC, though, the interest is not mutual.
Woodard told Rivals’ Adam Gorney that, despite the Hurricanes’ latest offer, he is not reconsidering his commitment to the Trojans.
“It was a blessing to receive an offer from a school like that,” Woodard remarked. “I’m 100 percent set on SC, but they’re trying to persuade me otherwise. “
“I feel like they’ve been a school that has really believed in me throughout my whole high school career,” he added. “I feel like every time I go up there, the culture and everything they’re trying to develop is meant to be.
After a strong 2025-26 season at Chaparral High School, Miami is interested in him. The junior played in 12 games, recording 51 catches for 1,070 yards and 17 touchdowns.
While the Hurricanes may continue their chase, it is up to the Trojans to persevere. Woodard is an important component of USC’s 2027 recruiting class, which now ranks first in the Big Ten and fourth in the country with 13 commitments. He is one of three wide receivers in the group, which also includes four-star Quentin Hale and three-star Roye Oliver.
