It is clear that there is a strong bias against players who declare themselves to USC. This aspect is not something that is likely to change any time soon. Teams in the SEC tend to have a more favorable ranking, and schools like Ohio State and Michigan tend to see their value preserved well into their eventual stepping foot on campus.
Mark Bowman is one of the latest examples of this happening that Trojan fans have seen. His is one of many instances, this recruiting cycle alone, that this has played out in this manner.
Ultimately, what will make the biggest difference is how the players perform once they are college student-athletes.