Lane Kiffin and his coaching staff secured 18 verbal commitments before the 2012 college football season even kicked off, creating buzz around a program that appeared destined for on-field success. USC sat atop the recruiting class rankings before the group slowly dissipated.
Despite the underwhelming 7-6 finish, the Trojans reeled in a collection of high-quality prospects, including six early enrollees. USC added much-needed depth on defense and softened the blow of losing four-year starter Matt Barkley by signing arguably the best quarterback in the country.
The complete 2013 recruiting class: