IMG Academy has USC targets who will be in the spotlight on August 26

One showcase for several recruits with #USC offers will occur during the Trojans’ opener. Record the game and watch it later.

It’s Year 14 for the ESPN High School Football Kickoff series, which helps launch the high school football season around the country.

This year, seven games are scheduled between August 18 and August 27, featuring teams that are loaded with talent.

One of the high-profile matchups on the ESPN family of networks is the battle between IMG Academy (Florida) and St. Joseph’s Prep (Pennsylvania). That is at 7 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Aug. 26. The game will air on ESPN2 from Carey Stadium in Ocean City, N.J.

IMG Academy is coming off an 8-1 season. It finished the campaign ranked No. 5 in the final MaxPreps Top 25. St. Joseph’s Prep went 12-1 and won its seventh state title in the past 10 years.

IMG returns 15 four-star or higher ranked recruits, including No. 1 senior Ellis Robinson IV, a cornerback and Georgia commit; No. 6 senior David Stone at defensive tackle; Jordan Seaton at linebacker, and T.J. Lindsey as an edge rusher. They all have offers from USC in the 2024 class.

Saint Joseph’s Prep has Samaj Jones at quarterback. Jones is the No. 250 senior in the country and a Cincinnati commit. St. Joe’s has No. 264 senior Omillio Agard, a Wisconsin commit. The team’s junior class includes three ESPN Junior 300 players: No. 124 Anthony Sacca at outside linebacker, No. 161 Maxwell Roy at defensive tackle, and No. 297 prospect Isaiah West at running back.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 tag=696092335]