USC Recruiting: 2025 commit breakdown
USC finished outside the top 15 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, but the Trojans are looking to improve upon that in 2025.
Currently ranked No. 18 in the 2025 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, USC’s class boasts eight blue-chip commits.
USC Class Breakdown
It was a tough stretch over the month of June for Lincoln Riley & Co. USC lost a pair of five-star commitments in edge rusher Isaiah Gibson and defensive lineman Justus Terry in addition to top-100 safety Hylton Stubbs.
Carrollton (Ga.) five-star quarterback Julian Lewis is a long-time member of this USC class, having pledged to the Trojans back in August.
The title of most recent commitment belongs to Houston Dekaney four-star wide receiver Tanook Hines. He joins Lewis and six additional blue-chippers: San Clemente (Calif.) four-star linebacker Matai Tagoa’i, Upland (Calif.) four-star cornerback Trestin Castro, Los Angeles Oaks Christian four-star EDGE Hayden Lowe, Saint Louis Christian Brothers College four-star wide receiver Corey Simms, Dinwiddie (Va.) four-star running back Harry Dalton and Baltimore City College four-star wide receiver Romero Ison.
Top Trojans Offensive Commit: QB Julian Lewis
Carrollton (Ga.) five-star quarterback Julian Lewis kicked things off for USC in the 2026 recruiting class by pledging to the Trojans in August. The elite signal-caller proceeded to reclassify to 2025 this winter, where he ranks No. 22 nationally and No. 3 among quarterbacks according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
On3’s scouting and rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:
“Polished signal caller who turned in the most productive freshman season among 2026 quarterbacks. Has been touted as a high-profile prospect, earning offers as a middle schooler. Measured in at around 6-foot-0.5, 185 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand prior to his sophomore season. Turned in a strong freshman campaign, completing 65.5% of his passes for over 4,100 yards and 48 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while leading his team to a state title appearance. Played well while facing some of the strongest competition among 2026 quarterbacks. Has advanced accuracy and overall polish at this early stage. Very consistent on a throw-to-throw basis in the camp setting. Shows the ability to locate passes to several areas, including over the middle of the field.
“Shows nice touch and ability to layer the football. Navigates the pocket well, sliding up to elude pass rushers. Can make defenders miss in space. Has plenty of time to continue growing, but is not overly physically imposing at this stage. Flashes a good arm, but his upside as a pure, top-arm talent remains to be seen. Can also continue improving as a creative playmaker as he gets more varsity experience. Figures to be among the top quarterbacks in 2026 as the cycle progresses.”
Top Defensive Commit: LB Matai Tagoa’i
San Clemente (Calif.) four-star linebacker Matai Tagoa’i ranks No. 76 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking and pledged to the Trojans on April 1.
“I like the entire atmosphere of the school, the players, the coaches and the culture that they’re building,” Tagoa’i told On3. “From the way they practice, work out and carry themselves off the field, I like them a lot. I’m a West Coast kid, so I feel like I’m at home there. Then, I like how I fit in schematically with their defense. I feel like I could be dangerous.”