SEC squads catching USC legacy four-star 2026 OT Sam Utu’s eye
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As the recruiting process is essentially just beginning for Sam Utu (6-4, 295), the Class of 2026 offensive lineman already has his pick of next level schools. The four-star out of California’s Orange Lutheran High School holds 20 offers with teams outside the Pac-12 and Mountain West Conferences finding him. The building interest is mutual between rising talent and coaching staffs east of the Mississippi, but strong family ties to USC will keep the Trojans close to Utu’s heart.
Texas A&M, Texas, and Tennessee have already offered Utu with other SEC programs trying to get the offensive tackle on campus over the summer.
“Georgia and Bama, they asked me to come to their camp over the summer, but I couldn’t go because of volleyball and other activities,” Utu said. “It was hard to go to any camps this summer with my schedule. I look forward to visiting them soon. I am interested in those schools.”
The two local teams ready to make the transition to the Big Ten hosted Utu during the offseason.
“Before school ended, I went to a UCLA football practice and before that I went to USC with a 7-on-7 group,” Utu stated. “To get that experience was really great.”
More insight into the developing bond with the Trojans’ coaching staff was given, “I love it. That relationship is amazing. USC being a legacy school for me, I have a couple of family members that went there, it is in the back of my head to always keep in contact with them.
“When I got that offer, it was amazing. It was heartwarming and filled me with a lot of joy. It was another blessing from God.”
Two of Utu’s family members wore the jersey for the Trojans.
“I have an uncle that went to USC; he played football and volleyball,” Utu said. “I have an older cousin that won national championships in volleyball with USC in 2002-03.”
When the opportunity to head east arises, expect to see Utu in Knoxville.
“I definitely want to take one to Tennessee,” Utu stated. “I want to visit anywhere down south where I have offers. I like the culture there; I want to bring my family along with me when I go.”
The excitement Josh Heupel has brought to the Volunteers program has Utu’s attention.
“I like the culture and atmosphere there,” Utu shared. “Seeing the crowd, makes me really hyped for their games. Their offensive line coach (Glen Elarbee) has been really welcoming. Their interest in me in general is something I like about them, and a reason I want to visit out there.”
Utu also holds offers from Washington, Utah, Penn State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Miami, and Colorado among others.