USC signs star-studded class, also loses a few

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Southern California has signed another talent-laden recruiting class, the Trojans also lost a few standouts in the final hours.

USC formally added 13 players Wednesday, including seven elite prospects who already enrolled last month as freshmen.

Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff inked several recruits ranked among the nation’s best at their positions, including quarterback Max Browne, defensive lineman Kenny Bigelow and safeties Su’a Cravens and Leon McQuay III.

But after a tumultuous 7-6 season featuring the Trojans’ fall from the preseason No. 1 ranking, USC lost a handful of top-tier recruits who chose other schools after initially favoring the Trojans.

At least USC kept elite offensive lineman Nico Falah, whose commitment apparently wavered late.

USC’s recruiting class is even smaller than its NCAA sanctions require.