While everyone in the college football world is talking about the USC Trojans’ 2026 Class, the 2025 class is being criminally slept on, and there are a few true freshmen who could make an impact this year.
According to Rivals Industry Rankings, the Trojans’ 2025 class finished 15th in the overall rankings. USC would like to finish in the Top 10 every single year, but it is still a really strong class, headlined by a few elite prospects.
The Big Ten Huddle, a daily podcast covering the Big Ten on the Bleav Network, just dropped some rankings regarding the Top 25 freshmen to watch this year.
3 of the Top 25 are USC Trojans.
The Top 25 True Freshmen to Watch in the Big Ten in 2025, per @jrs_rankings
— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) August 11, 2025
Listen to the breakdown and more 🔽https://t.co/bIsxG1sFwm pic.twitter.com/EAUr4crFxZ
3 USC Trojans Freshmen Make The Top 25 Watch List
Jahkeem Steward, DL
5-Star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart tops this list for the Trojans at No. 4. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class before reclassifying to the 2025 class. He is still thought highly of, even though he should be a high school senior this season.
Makai Lemon Or Ja’Kobi Lane? Check Out Our USC Trojans Merch!
Throughout the spring and now much of fall camp, he has been drawing rave reviews from coaches and players. The Trojans have one of the deepest defensive line rooms in the Big Ten, so he will not be forced into action, but his upward trajectory and talent should still get him on the field throughout the season.
Alex Graham, DB
Cornerback Alex Graham comes in at No. 8 on their list. Graham was originally committed to Colorado before flipping to USC before signing day. Rivals had him ranked as the 37th overall cornerback in the class, but through Spring and Fall camp, he is not playing like that; he is far exceeding it.
Like Stewart, his name is continuously brought up by coaches and teammates as someone who has stood out.
During the Lincoln Riley era, we have not seen many, if any, freshmen crack the DB rotation, but Graham certainly has the ability to do so. With the injury to Prophet Brown and the desire to roll with a deep bench, expect to see the true freshman on Saturdays early and often.
Corey Simms, WR
The final Trojan to make the list is wide receiver Corey Simms in the 15th spot. Simms is a big body at 6’3, and has a ton of talent. The Trojans’ wide receiver room is deep, so it may be tough for him to get on the field much as a true freshman, but his development will be one to watch as he has all the characteristics to the the true WR1 in the future.
USC would have likely had a 4th member on this list in 5-star QB Husan Longstreet. However, Jayden Maiava will be starting at QB this season, giving Longstreet ample time to learn this system and develop into a star.
Which freshman are you most excited to watch this season? Comment below!
Subscribe To Our USC Trojans LAFB YouTube Channel For Video Updates!