How UCLA Can out-Recruit USC on 2016 Recruiting Trail

A valid question: Of USC and UCLA, who had the better national signing day showing?

Signing day. Not signing class.

There was plenty of discussion on Feb. 5, the day after signing day, supporting the argument that UCLA had one of the strongest—if not the strongest—finishes in the country. If UCLA's finish was any indication of what to expect with the 2016 class, the recruiting battle against USC will be fun to watch for all.

One glance at USC's 2015 signing class gives one direct message: When it comes to recruiting, head coach Steve Sarkisian meant business. The Trojans finished with the nation's No. 2 class and had 25 scholarship players sign overall.

Of the 25, four were 5-star players and 14 were 4-star players. And while UCLA finished strong on signing day, USC challenged Alabama for the overall top spot with an impressive finish, getting commitments from 5-star cornerback Iman Marshall, 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green and 4-star linebacker John Houston.

However, if the Trojans want to contend for the top spot of the upcoming class, they'll have to be better than their determined, crosstown rivals. UCLA head coach Jim Mora and his crew will look to have an even stronger class in 2016—and recruiting already is in full swing.

Coaches will tell you that the one of the best ways to earn a quality recruiting class is to win games. Showing a great product on the football field—particularly in front of a huge national audience—is one of the simplest ways to attract the elite talent.

Selling that product during the offseason also is key. Mora has two of the nation's top recruiters in Adrian Klemm and Demetrice Martin, in addition to others on staff whom recruits have built great relationships with.

To outduel USC, UCLA will have to win recruiting battles in and out of California—and while it's still early in the game, it's possible for the Bruins to pass the Trojans. Currently, USC is ranked No. 19, while UCLA is No. 29 in the 2016 team rankings.

UCLA's 2015 class had 19 signees, including three 5-star and 10 4-star players. The Bruins had four commit on signing day in 5-star running back Soso Jamabo, 4-star tight end Chris Clark, 4-star offensive lineman Josh Wariboko and 4-star wide receiver Cordell Broadus.

UCLA's 2016 class already has a 5-star commit in defensive end Breland Brandt and a 4-star receiver commit in Michael Pittman. Player recruiting will be huge in UCLA's attempt to surpass USC. Brandt and Pittman will be asked to put the Bruins in a positive light every opportunity they can.

In-state battles will be vital. Per the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, USC is the leader for 4-star safety Brandon Burton, 4-star defensive end Oluwole Betiku and 4-star receiver Dylan Crawford.

Look for Mora and his staff to recruit heavily in and out of California. Recruiting out-of-state players could be the X-factor. The Bruins signed two players from Texas for 2015 and nearly had a third, but 4-star receiver Ryan Newsome flipped to Texas on signing day. UCLA also signed a player from each of Utah, Hawaii, Oklahoma and Connecticut.

You can bet that USC will do all it can to make sure it remains the go-to Los Angeles option for recruits. But don't be surprised if UCLA makes a major play in the recruiting battle between rivals.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles