Nation’s No. 1 QB Recruit Predicted to Commit to Big Ten Powerhouse

Nation’s No. 1 QB Recruit Predicted to Commit to Big Ten Powerhouse originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Lincoln Riley is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks. The USC Trojans’ head coach has helped Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams each win the Heisman Trophy. Peyton Houston hopes to be the next in that successful lineage.

“NEW: Rivals’ @SWilftong_ and @samspiegs have logged expert predictions for USC to land 2027 4-star QB Peyton Houston,” Rivals wrote Monday on X. “Houston is the No. 8 QB in the 2027 class.”

Houston, a Shreveport, La., native, is tabbed as the No. 1 passer in ESPN’s Class of 2027 rankings. On that list, he ranks ahead of Bobby Coleman Jr., Keegan Croucher, Brady Edmunds and Peter Bourque. Edmunds is an Ohio State commit.

According to MaxPreps, Houston passed for 4,480 yards, 38 touchdowns and six interceptions as a sophomore at Evangel Christian Academy (La.). He also rushed for 690 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 totes.

“It means a lot, and it’s a blessing, for sure, to have Lincoln Riley think I’m one of the top guys for him,” Houston told Rivals’ Adam Gorney last month. “That relationship there is definitely strong.”

Houston could be set up well if he ends up taking the reins of the Trojans’ offense. In 247Sports’ team rankings, USC has the No. 1 recruiting haul in the Class of 2026. That group includes four-star signal-caller Jonas Williams and five-star tight end Mark Bowman, who’s drawn comparisons to Brock Bowers.

Among his 32 offers, Houston is also considering the Oklahoma Sooners, Clemson Tigers and Texas Longhorns.

Related: How Lincoln Riley Can go From Hot Seat to Dominant Again

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.