USC Gains the Nation’s Top Recruit for 2026
Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 girls’ basketball recruit in the United States, has officially signed with the University of Southern California. Her commitment places her on the same team as JuJu Watkins, one of the best players in women’s college basketball today.
USC also announced the signing of Sitaya Fagan, one of Australia’s top young stars. Together, Hall and Fagan will join a strong core that already includes Watkins, Jazzy Davidson, and Kennedy Smith. The Trojans are expected to become one of the most powerful programs in college basketball.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb shared her excitement about the new class. She said, “We think we have the best class in the country and the best duo in the country.” She also praised both players for their talent, character, and perfect fit with USC’s goals.
Saniyah Hall’s Record-Setting Run on the Global Stage
Hall’s rise has been steady, historic, and impossible to ignore. She recently delivered a standout performance at the FIBA U19 World Cup, where she earned MVP honors. She led Team USA with 19.9 points per game, setting a new USA U19 scoring record.
Her international success adds to her long list of high school achievements. Hall was named to the 2025–26 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List. Her impact has been felt on every level she’s played.
Last season at Montverde Academy in Florida, she averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks. Her team finished 26–2 and reached the Chipotle National Championship game. Each performance showed her power, poise, and readiness for the next stage.
A Strong Global Duo: Sitaya Fagan Joins USC’s New Era
USC is not only gaining a U.S. superstar. Sitaya Fagan, one of Australia’s brightest young talents, is also heading to Los Angeles. Her international résumé speaks for itself.
Fagan averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds at the FIBA U19 World Cup. She helped guide her team to the gold medal game. She also won gold medals at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship in 2023 and the FIBA U15 Oceania Championship in 2022.
Her strength, versatility, and international experience will add depth to USC’s roster. Together, Hall and Fagan form a rare recruiting class built on global skill and elite athletic ability.
USC Builds Toward a Championship Future
USC’s women’s basketball program is building a team that could dominate the college landscape. The combination of returning stars and incoming talent gives the Trojans a real chance at long-term success.
Hall’s leadership, scoring power, and competitive fire make her a major piece of USC’s future plans. Fagan brings a different but equally important skillset. The two players will help strengthen USC’s identity as a program built on excellence, teamwork, and high standards.
Coach Gottlieb believes this class represents more than basketball. She said the players bring value “as humans and as talented athletes.” Her vision is clear. USC is aiming to shape a team that performs on the court and leads with character off it.
