Alabama claimed the recruiting national title for the fifth straight year in 2015, bringing home yet another No. 1 class.

Or did they?

The Crimson Tide’s class is without a doubt loaded with talent. The six five-star recruits they hauled in, according to 247sports’ industry composite, makes for the highest total in the nation. In fact, the Tide signed more five-star players than three-stars in their 2015 class.

But look at the other major recruiting services. ESPN has Alabama at the top, as does 247. But Scout and Rivals? They both picked another top dog: Southern California. Even the 247 composite barely had Alabama edging out the Trojans.

It’s easy to see how USC managed to come within inches of surpassing the Crimson Tide, and actually overtaking them in some rankings. The Trojans brought on the best cornerback in the nation, Iman Marhsall, as well as top offensive guard Chuma Edogo, who they snatched right out of SEC territory in Powder Springs, Ga.

USC brought in three of the top six linebackers in the nation, reminiscent of the Trojans’ class from a decade ago that feature Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews (although Matthews was a walk-on). The Trojans also filled several needs, bringing in a top-five running back and two top-10 defensive tackles.

Alabama has just as much firepower in this class: five players of their own in the top-40 nationally, as well as nine players rated as one of the five best at their position nationally. USC trailed in the latter category, with eight top-five players.

However you slice the recruiting classes, it’s obvious that they’re about as even as possible. The one difference: USC may get more of an immediate boost from its class than Alabama.

The Trojans lose two members of their linebacking corps, as well as potential No. 1 overall draft pick Leonard Williams off the defensive line. They also lose top rusher Javorius Allen to the NFL draft. Those losses and more open up potential roles for several of the incoming freshmen.

Alabama, meanwhile, is unlikely to start very many players from this class, if any at all. Calvin Ridley will have a shot at wide receiver after the Crimson Tide lost their top three receivers from the 2014 team. Deionte Thompson and Ronnie Harrison will challenge for playing time at safety as well, but outside of those players its hard to see any freshmen getting early playing time on such a loaded roster.

In the long run, it doesn’t really matter who “won” the 2015 recruiting cycle in 2015. The true worth of these classes won’t be borne out for a year or three. Alabama has already capitalized in its recent run of No. 1 classes, winning two titles since the run started in 2011. Southern Cal hasn’t won a title since the Matt Leinart days of the early-2000s. Time will tell if either of these 2015 classes will hoist hardware in their time on campus.