USC loses two 5-star commitments within 24 hours, is top QB next to flip?
The recruiting game can be cruel and unrelenting. The USC Trojans were in a healthy spot for its 2025 class haul until this week. Within 24 hours, 5-star defensive lineman Justus Terry and edge defender Isaiah Gibson both decommitted from USC. Now, with the Elite 11 camp playing out this week, all eyes are on […]
The recruiting game can be cruel and unrelenting. The USC Trojans were in a healthy spot for its 2025 class haul until this week. Within 24 hours, 5-star defensive lineman Justus Terry and edge defender Isaiah Gibson both decommitted from USC.
Now, with the Elite 11 camp playing out this week, all eyes are on whether 5-star QB Julian Lewis could be next.
USC Sees Two 5-Star Recruits Flip
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has worked endlessly to fix his annually woeful defense. Building around Terry and Gibson, both from Georgia, would've significantly augmented his efforts as the Trojans enter the Big Ten. Instead, the program has to go back to the drawing board.
The addition of Gibson and Terry to the Trojans' roster this year was a significant achievement for new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and defensive line coach Eric Henderson. Both coaches were brought in by Riley following USC's disappointing 8-5 finish in 2023 due to defensive problems.
Henderson, who transitioned from the NFL where he coached the Los Angeles Rams' defensive line, made a strong impression with his recruiting abilities, especially with the commitments from Gibson and Terry.
Henderson's close ties with retired Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald led to Donald's presence at USC practices when Gibson and Terry were considering their commitments to USC.
Meanwhile, Terry recently visited both Georgia and Florida State, and Gibson has reportedly checked out Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, and South Carolina. Despite this, the Trojans are still considered to be on the periphery for both players.
Will Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis Flip?
Lewis has been an interesting case study for us to watch. His Day 2 performance at the Elite 11 was better than the first day. All eyes are now on whether Lewis will flip to Colorado or Auburn.
Lewis has seen a lot of interest from Deion Sanders and Colorado, but On3's Steve Wiltfong reported that it's Auburn that is making the biggest push for the Georgia native. We explored this possibility a month ago, and there is clear momentum for Lewis to flip to Auburn now.
The No. 2 QB in the 2025 class has praised the roster Hugh Freeze has built at Auburn, and the third-ranked player from Georgia would be joining an offense that will fully maximize his potential.
That all being said, Lewis continues to say the right things. He's reinforced his commitment to USC, and official visits aren't a surefire sign of a flip.
