The recruiting fire is burning white-hot in Los Angeles, and Lincoln Riley just tossed another log on it. With 17 commitments in the bag, 10 of them blue-chippers, the USC Trojans’ 2026 class is gaining serious traction. Six top-100 prospects have already bought in. And now, Riley has put this big-time Bulldog pledge on his “flip watch” out west. Georgia HC Kirby Smart has been known to build fences around his recruits. But one of his latest offensive gems is inching toward the gate—and Riley’s doing more than just knocking.

Vance Spafford, the electric four-star wideout from Mission Viejo, California, has been on the Georgia Bulldogs’ commitment list since November 2025. But the 5-foot-10, 175-pound record-breaker isn’t turning down visits. Especially not from the local powerhouse. Spafford has made multiple return trips to USC’s campus this year, including some recent spring practice visits. Word on the trail is he’s starting to waver, and his comments certainly don’t sound like those of a fully locked-in pledge. While he remains publicly committed to the Dawgs. Spafford’s actions and words are giving USC plenty of reason to believe the door is wide open for a flip.

“I’m still committed to Georgia. I’m still open-minded and listening to everything,” Spafford said. That alone will turn heads in Athens. But it’s what he added next that makes the story sizzle: “USC is in my backyard, so it’s hard to ignore. They’re very nice — still reaching out to all the coaches. They’re very loving there, and they have a lot of steam rolling for them. We’ve had good talks, and it’s good to have that home love finally.” That last line cuts deep—“finally.” There’s a sense of familiarity, a comfort level, and maybe even a touch of regret that USC didn’t push harder sooner. But now, with Lincoln Riley and his staff turning up the heat, they’re making up for lost time.

A major part of that renewed push is the addition of Chad Savage to the Trojans’ staff. Savage’s presence has clearly struck a chord with Vance Spafford. “Coach Savage is a good addition, and he’s doing a good job,” Spafford said. “They’re doing the right things, and they’re rolling right now.” The wideout’s ties run even deeper. He trains with current Trojan Ja’Kobi Lane and has other personal connections inside the program. USC is selling more than just logos and locker rooms. For a high schooler looking for the right mix of elite football and home comfort, it’s a potent cocktail.

Spafford’s productivity speaks volumes. As a sophomore at Mission Viejo, he shattered every single-season receiving record for one of California’s most respected high school programs. His route-running is crisp, his burst is sudden, and his feel for space in the slot is advanced beyond his years. According to Rivals, he’s the No. 2 slot receiver in the class of 2026.

He’s not just a shiny local name—he’s a legitimate plug-and-play weapon. And it’s no coincidence that USC’s staff – fresh off retooling their offense – are eyeing a versatile, dynamic pass-catcher who can stretch the seams and eat in the short game.

“USC is definitely recruiting their local kids — that’s something they should’ve been doing for a long time. It’s a great strategy, especially because this California class is huge,” Spafford added. “If they secure everyone they have right now, it would be legendary. It would be the best class they’ve ever had.” That level of praise doesn’t come from someone merely observing from the sidelines. He’s inside the conversation. “I’m definitely keeping my eye on them,” he said. “I’ve gone up there a few things. I know a lot of people committed there, so it’s definitely a daily thing that’s talked about.” For Kirby Smart, this isn’t unfamiliar territory.

Kirby Smart’s magic is still working – Vance Spafford heads back to Athens for G-Day

Despite getting plenty of love from West Coast heavyweights like UCLA and USC, four-star WR Vance Spafford just can’t stay away from Athens. The No. 41 overall recruit in the 2026 cycle is headed back to Georgia this weekend for the annual G-Day spring game on April 12 — and the Bulldogs’ staff has to be thrilled.

Sure, USC’s been rolling out the red carpet with multiple visits. UCLA is making a strong push, but Rivals reports it’ll be “tough to flip him away from the Bulldogs.” Why? Because Spafford is clearly feeling the Georgia vibe. “They’ve got something good rolling over there,” he said. “Kirby Smart is a genius. The way he talks about NIL — the fire, the passion, the energy… he’s a legend. How would you not want to play for someone like him?”

Spafford’s comments make it clear — the culture and energy in Athens are hard to beat. “I’ve heard nothing but exciting things about practices going on over there,” he added. “Georgia is a powerhouse — no matter what.” After losing Jontavius Wyman to Miami, Georgia fans can now breathe a little easier.