USC is already battling Big Ten rivals for early footing in the 2029 cycle. One of the Trojans’ main targets is sophomore cornerback Kiingbaraka Kizzee from Mission Viejo High School (Calif.). The only problem is that Kizzee has already committed to USC’s crosstown rival, the UCLA Bruins.
Kizzee currently has 11 offers, with Southern Cal being the third program to extend the rising sophomore an offer back in Sept. 2025, per 247Sports. Then the Bruins sent their offer in January and received Kizzee’s hard commitment in June.
Kiingbaraka Kizzee: 2029 Cornerback Recruit
Kizzee started his high school career at Orange Lutheran. As a freshman, Kizzee started in 11 games, where he recorded 15 total tackles (13 solo), an interception and three pass breakups, per MaxPreps. The season-long performance earned Kizzee a spot on MaxPreps’ Freshman All-American Team.
In man-coverage, Kizzee is sticky – attached to the hip of opposing receivers and has closing speed to break up a pass. In zone coverage, the 2029 recruit is quick to wrap up, hardly letting a receiver pick up extra yards after the catch. If his boxscore stats look low, it’s because he shuts down his side of the field. At 6-3, 185 pounds, Kizzee can bump-and-run with big physical receivers or speedsters and make solo open-field tackles if need be.
Although Kizzee has not received a star rating yet or made national rankings, he has shown tremendous upside in his freshman campaign. If he is able to put together another stellar season, expect a boost in national recognition and offers. For now, Kizzee remains California’s best-kept secret, and since it’s still early in the recruiting process, it makes sense that the Trojans haven’t let up on the California native…