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USC has added another high-end piece to its 2026 recruiting class, securing 6-foot-4 forward/center Sara Okeke from Madrid. The commitment bolsters the Trojans’ frontcourt depth with an experienced international prospect whose arrival could reshape expectations for the program this coming season.
Okeke, who spent her senior year at DME Academy in Florida after moving from Spain, is a consensus five-star recruit and sits at No. 5 in ESPN’s class rankings. The signing was announced by USC last week as the program continues to assemble one of the nation’s most highly regarded incoming groups.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Okeke’s combination of size and athleticism and called her a strong cultural fit for the team in a program release. Okeke herself told ESPN that she felt “at home” on campus and expects the coaching staff and current players to push her development on and off the court.
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Okeke’s résumé
Her international pedigree is a major part of the appeal. Before arriving at DME, Okeke was a central figure for Spain’s age-group teams, helping the national side capture gold at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket. Across that run she averaged 13.8 points on 57 percent shooting and 7.1 rebounds.
- Height/position: 6-foot-4, forward/center
- Ranking: No. 5 in ESPN’s 2026 class
- International success: Gold at FIBA U18 EuroBasket; FIBA U17 World Cup All-Star and MVP honors at youth level
- Recent showcases: Competed for Spain at the 2026 Nike Hoop Summit (4 points, 4 rebounds off the bench)
- High school highlights: Scored 20 points in DME’s Chipotle Nationals title game; conference leader in blocks and highest field-goal percentage
- Awards: Grind Session Player of the Year, All-Defensive Team, All-Grind Team
Her game profiles as paint-oriented and physical—someone who defends the rim, rebounds at a high rate and converts efficiently around the basket. Those traits translated into team success at DME, where she helped secure the program’s first national championship at Chipotle Nationals.
What this adds to USC
Okeke will join a freshman core already anchored by No. 1 recruit Saniyah Hall and five-star international Sitaya Fagan, creating a frontcourt rotation with significant size and versatility. They will eventually join established contributors such as Juju Watkins—currently recovering from a torn ACL—Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davis and Kennedy Smith.
For USC the immediate payoff is both on-court and strategic: Okeke’s presence gives the Trojans more interior defense and rebounding, while her international experience strengthens the program’s recruiting brand overseas. Practically, it deepens line-up options and may force opponents to adjust matchups against a taller, more physical USC frontcourt.
While Okeke’s college debut is still over a year away, her commitment is a clear signal that USC is assembling a roster capable of competing at a national level. Coaches, fans and conference rivals will be watching how quickly the newcomers translate talent into production once they arrive in Los Angeles.
