UCLA and USC have long been fierce competitors, not only on the field but also in recruiting. The battle for top in-state prospects is an extension of their deep-seated rivalry, and the latest chapter in this ongoing struggle involves Joshua Holland II, a class of 2026 three-star cornerback from St. John Bosco High School. Despite his current commitment to USC, UCLA has made a bold move by offering him a scholarship, signaling their intent to challenge their rivals at every turn.
Holland made his offer from UCLA public via social media, drawing immediate attention from recruiting analysts and fans alike. The young defensive back is highly regarded in his class, ranked as the No. 33 cornerback nationwide and the No. 50 overall prospect in California, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. His recruitment has been competitive, as he has received offers from multiple powerhouse programs, including Georgia, Arizona, Texas A&M, Washington, SMU, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Missouri, Syracuse, Utah, West Virginia, San Diego State, and Michigan State.
Holland’s skill set makes him a highly desirable recruit. National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins evaluated him in July, highlighting his versatility and potential to play multiple positions at the collegiate level. While primarily recruited as a cornerback, Holland also plays as a wide receiver and possesses the frame and growth potential to transition into a safety role in college. Standing close to 6-foot-2 and weighing around 170 pounds, he fits the mold of the modern defensive back, with the length and athleticism that college coaches covet.
Biggins noted that Holland is a natural athlete with strong cover instincts. His ball awareness and ability to break on passes make him a promising defender, though he still needs to improve his top-end speed to keep up with the fastest receivers at the college level. Fortunately, as a member of the class of 2026, he has ample time to refine his skills and further develop his game. Biggins sees Holland as a high-ceiling prospect, capable of making an impact at the Power 4 level with the potential for an NFL future.
USC has been aggressive on the recruiting front and currently boasts eight commitments from the class of 2026—double the number secured by UCLA. However, the Bruins have been working tirelessly to make up ground, issuing numerous offers to top talent this month alone. The recruitment of Holland represents a significant opportunity for UCLA. If they can successfully flip him from their crosstown rivals, it would send a strong message about their recruiting prowess and ability to challenge USC’s dominance in attracting elite talent.
The timing of UCLA’s offer to Holland is crucial. While USC has the advantage of having extended an early offer and securing his commitment, recruiting battles are never truly over until National Signing Day. The Bruins’ coaching staff will likely continue to make their case, pitching their vision for Holland’s development and role within their defensive scheme.
St. John Bosco High School, where Holland plays, has a reputation for producing high-level college and NFL talent. Given the competitive nature of California high school football, prospects from powerhouse programs like Bosco are constantly evaluated and pursued by top programs nationwide. Holland’s recruitment is no exception, and with so many schools vying for his commitment, the process may still have twists and turns ahead.
For UCLA, landing a player like Holland would be a significant win, not just in terms of adding talent to their roster but also in shifting the perception of their recruiting momentum. The Bruins have struggled to keep pace with USC in terms of securing early commitments, but a high-profile flip could help change the narrative. Recruiting is often about momentum, and winning battles against a rival can have a domino effect in attracting other top recruits who take notice of a program’s ability to land impact players.
USC, on the other hand, will undoubtedly fight to keep Holland in their class. With a program known for its rich history of producing elite defensive backs, they have a compelling pitch to keep him in the fold. However, as recruiting experts often point out, verbal commitments are non-binding, and as long as a player has not signed a National Letter of Intent, other schools will continue to recruit him aggressively.
Holland’s decision will likely come down to multiple factors, including relationships with coaching staffs, development opportunities, and the overall trajectory of the programs involved. Both UCLA and USC will work to present their best cases, hoping to sway him in their direction.
While it remains to be seen whether UCLA can successfully flip Holland, their willingness to challenge USC in recruiting showcases their commitment to building a competitive roster. The recruiting battle between these two programs is far from over, and as the class of 2026 cycle continues, more twists and surprises are sure to come.
