TLDR: USC Trojans’ recruiting landscape faced significant challenges recently due to multiple high-profile decommitments, including local EDGE Hayden Lowe. There was also a looming possibility of losing 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis, a scenario that could have further dismayed fans during an already struggling season. However, a pivotal change took place when USC’s coaching staff, led by Lincoln Riley and QB Coach Luke Huard, redirected their focus towards 5-star QB Husan Longstreet from Centennial, initially committed to Texas A&M. Following a decisive victory over Nebraska, Longstreet switched his allegiance to USC, and Lewis’s decommitment became official. This chain of events has revitalized hope for the Trojans’ future. In addition, USC hosted significant recruits, including 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart, subsequently securing the commitment of DL Cash Jacobsen. Speculation arose about 4-star EDGE/LB Marco Jones, another Texas A&M prospect, who showed potential interest in USC, hinted by his cryptic tweet using the phrase associated with USC’s defensive coaching staff. Although unconfirmed, the relationships built by Longstreet and other strategic ties might sway Jones to the Trojans. After Lowe’s departure to Miami, USC’s staff is keen to fill the EDGE spot for the 2025 class, aiming to leverage connections to reinforce their squad.

In the fast-paced realm of recruiting, the USC Trojans have recently experienced a whirlwind of developments. After witnessing de-commitments, including local EDGE talent Hayden Lowe, the future seemed in jeopardy. The potential loss of 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis hovered like a foreboding cloud over the program. The stakes were high, as a collapse of the 2025 recruiting class could have spelled disaster, deepening the woes of their season. Yet, amidst the tumult, USC’s dedicated efforts ignited a turnaround that instilled new hope.

Acting swiftly, head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback coach Luke Huard embarked on a mission to sway 5-star quarterback Husan Longstreet, initially pledged to Texas A&M. Their endeavors paid off following USC’s victorious face-off against Nebraska, culminating in Longstreet’s decision to switch allegiance to the Trojans. This move coincided with the official de-commitment of Julian Lewis, an outcome that re-energized USC’s recruitment trajectory. It was a breath of fresh air, reassuring fans and enthusiasts of the team’s promising direction.

On the heels of Longstreet’s commitment, the Trojans welcomed a host of recruits, among them 5-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart and newly pledged DL Cash Jacobsen. Meanwhile, speculation surfaced surrounding another former Texas A&M recruit, 4-star EDGE/LB Marco Jones. Recent social media activity from Jones—particularly a tweet mirroring a phrase linked to USC’s defensive line coach Eric Henderson—fueled rumors of a potential flip to the Trojans. Although such cryptic messages remain circumstantial, the intrigue signifies USC’s proactive strategy in its recruiting efforts.

As the Trojans strive to fill the void left by EDGE Hayden Lowe’s shift to Miami, these fresh recruiting victories provide much-needed momentum. USC’s interconnections with potential recruits, boosted by players like Longstreet, are pivotal in reshaping their squad. While Jones’s potential shift remains speculative, the alignment of new strategies and connections enhances the Trojans’ prospects. Embedded in the vibrant Pacific Northwest, USC is charting a course aimed at reclaiming their stronghold, holding promise for an electrifying recruiting season ahead.