5-Star Center Sara Okeke Commits to USC, Joins No. 1 Overall Recruit Saniyah Hall

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb added to a loaded 2026 class Tuesday, securing a commitment from 5-star center Sara Okeke.

Okeke is the No. 10 overall player and second-best center in 247Sports' composite rankings.

"I chose USC because as soon as I stepped on the campus I felt at home," she told ESPN's Shane Laflin of her decision. "The coaching staff and the players are exactly what I am looking for, and I know they'll push me to grow, on and off the court. I cannot wait to be a part [of] and impact this special program."

Okeke has represented Spain at the youth level. In the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket last summer, she won gold and was named MVP after averaging 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds across six games.

247Sports' Brandon Clay scouted Okeke and was impressed with how she utilized her 6'4" frame:

"Okeke moves well and is a willing screener in the pick and roll action. She is also a willing passer off a post entry double team read. Okeke won't try to force a tough contest in that action. Instead, she displays patience while waiting for a teammate to cut. Defensively, Okeke's length allows her to be effective even against post to guard screen switches late shot clock. She can contest with a high hand and keep the guard honest."

The Trojans already secured a commitment from small forward Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 overall player in the 247Sports composite. Australian forward Sitaya Fagan is another heralded recruit and enrolled in January.

Thanks in large part to JuJu Watkins suffering a torn ACL in the 2025 NCAA tournament, this has been a bit of a lost season for USC. The Trojans are 17-13 heading into the Big Dance, where they're seeded ninth and play Clemson in the opening round.

Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson has been a bright spot, though. She's leading the team in points (17.6), rebounds (5.7), assists (4.2), steals (2.0) and blocks (2.0).

For rivals in the Big Ten, it has to be a little terrifying to think that a healthy Watkins will suit up alongside Davidson in 2026-27, and USC will add three heavily hyped freshmen to the mix as well.

The Trojans haven't been to the Final Four since 1986. That drought might finally come to an end next spring.