Santa Margarita's Costello selects Cardinal over USC, Michigan

Published Mar. 26, 2015 11:24 p.m. ET

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By no means is USC hurting at the quarterback position. But the program could have gotten a bit stronger on Thursday.

Santa Margarita gun slinger K.J. Costello, a top-five quarterback in the country for the 2016 class and the No. 1 quarterback in the state, announced his decision.

With his final choices narrowed down to three --USC, Michigan, and Stanford --Costello announced he would be playing his college ball on The Farm and committed to Stanford.

The 6'5" 223-pound Costello threw for 3,123 yards last season and 23 touchdowns while completing 60.3 percent of his passes.

He will enter the 2015 season with two seasons as a starter under his belt for the Eagles.

Costello is the second player in the 2016 class to commit to Stanford spurning Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines and the Trojans.

It's been an unbelievable journey. I am proud to announce that I will be playing football at Stanford University? #nerdnation #StanU
— kj costello (@kj_costello) March 26, 2015

USC's quarterback cupboard is far from bare. Behind potential Heisman Trophy candidate Cody Kessler is Max Browne who was considered the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2013. Ricky Town, who some considered the No.1 quarterback in the class of 2015, is already enrolled and currently participating in spring drills. Along with town in the 2015 class is San Clemente's Sam Darnold. Jalen Greene, a redshirt freshman, is also in the group.

Additionally, because the Trojans took two quarterbacks in the last class there's no pressing need to get one in the 2016 class.

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With Costello's announcement on Thursday the top USC quarterback targets in the class have all committed elsewhere.

The Trojans currently have three players committed in the 2016 class, including North Torrance athlete Mique Juarez who's being recruited as a linebacker.