Something big is about to go down in college football recruiting. One of the hottest high school prospects in the nation just sent a message that has USC fans sweating, Michigan boosters buzzing, and the rest of the country waiting to see what happens next. He’s been seen rocking USC gear, flicking it up with Trojan legends, and making multiple visits to Los Angeles like he was already part of the team. Everything pointed to one decision. Until now. And just like that—BOOM—he threw a curveball that nobody saw coming. A cryptic message, a last-minute visit to Sherrone Moore‘s Michigan. A commitment date locked in for April 5, on his birthday. Now, the entire recruiting world is holding its breath, wondering if Lincoln Riley’s dream class is about to take a hit or if this is just part of the show before he officially joins the Trojans.
We’re talking about Deshonne Redeaux, the electric running back out of Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California. A four-star recruit and the No. 5 running back in the Class of 2026, Redeaux has been a walking highlight reel, torching defenses for 1,263 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. In his last 3 season, Deshonne Redeaux literally averaged 7+ yards per carry. The kid’s got home-run speed, ridiculous agility, and a bag full of moves that leave defenders grabbing at air.
For months, USC was the clear frontrunner. Redeaux’s been on campus multiple times, building relationships with coaches, and even posing for pictures with Reggie Bush. The Trojans have been stacking talent like it’s an arms race, locking in 19 commitments already—including 11 four-star recruits and a dominant in-state class. Deshonne Redeaux was low-key expected to be the next big name on that list. But things just got messy.
On April 2nd, Deshonne Redeaux hopped on On3’s recruiting show with Josh Newberg and dropped a statement that sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. “I think I’m going to shock the world with this one,” Redeaux teased, keeping his true intentions under wraps. “There’s a lot of talk around where I’m going to go, but imma shock the world.” Ain’t gonna lie, a lot of people assumed he’s literally locked in with in-state USC, but then the whispers started. A last-minute visit to Michigan. Increased interest from Oregon. Washington, UCLA and Georgia lurking in the background. Suddenly, what felt like a done deal turned into a full-blown recruiting war.
Josh Newberg pressed him on what mattered most in his decision, and Redeaux didn’t hold back: “I’ll say the biggest factor is giving me the opportunity to be a differentiator right now. Like, giving me the chance to play early, develop, and, you know, just—just letting—just using me to my full potential and my full ability to just let me be that guy… that’s—that’s the biggest thing about me… I just want to play ball..everything else is going to take care of itself.”
Michigan, fresh off locking in Bryce Underwood and NIL powered, has been pumping out NFL-caliber running backs like an assembly line. The Wolverines have a blueprint for turning elite backs into household names. And it seems like Redeaux is taking that seriously.
What’s at stake for USC and Lincoln Riley
If USC loses Deshonne Redeaux, it’s not just about missing out on a great player—it’s about momentum. The USC are literally trying to pair him with a 4-star Shahn Alston. The Trojans are coming off one of their best recruiting cycles in years, proving that Riley can still recruit with the best of them despite USC’s on-field struggles. Losing a top in-state player, especially one who’s been so closely tied to the program, would be a gut punch.
On the flip side, Michigan is making a serious push for West Coast talent. They already snagged a few California prospects in the last cycle, and landing Redeaux would send a message that the Wolverines can come into USC’s backyard and take whoever they want. So, what’s it gonna be? Stick with the hometown squad and become the next great USC running back? Or roll with the Wolverines and chase a national championship? Or pivot to UCLA or Eugene. Either way, April 5 is about to be a movie.
With less than a week until his announcement, the speculation is only going to heat up. USC fans are hoping this is all just smoke and mirrors before he puts on the cardinal and gold. Michigan fans are hoping they just pulled off the heist with that NIL money. One thing’s for sure: Deshonne Redeaux isn’t just making a commitment—he’s making a statement. And college football is watching.
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