After the USC Trojans and 5-star linebacker prospect Xavier Griffin decided to mutually part ways, the national narrative was, and will continue to be, that Lincoln Riley and the Trojans continue to struggle to hang on to blue-chip prospects from SEC country, and specifically from the state of Georgia.
Hayes Fawcett of On3 recently documented the recent decommitments that USC has suffered from Georgia.
Notable recruits from Georgia to Decommit from USC over the years:
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 15, 2025
• 5-Star Mykel Williams (EDGE)
• 5-Star Justus Terry (DL)
• 5-Star Xavier Griffin (LB)
• 5-Star Isaiah Gibson (EDGE)
• 4-Star Christen Miller (DL)
• 4-Star Julian Lewis (QB) https://t.co/uGwB6d8A9g
This list of players includes:
- 5-Star Mykel Williams (EDGE) (This was during the Clay Helton Era)
- 5-Star Justus Terry (DL)
- 5-Star Xavier Griffin (LB)
- 5-Star Isaiah Gibson (EDGE)
- 4-Star Christen Miller (DL) (Clay Helton Era)
- 4-Star Julian Lewis (QB)
Including Mykel Williams is a bit unfair, considering he was recruited during the Clay Helton era, and decommitted from USC after Helton was fired. Christen Miller was also in the Helton Era and was recruited by Vic So’oto.
I personally don’t think Fawcett meant anything deeper by posting this, but it certainly does paint a one-sided picture. Regardless of circumstance, this would lead one to believe that the USC Trojans struggle mightily to retain players in Georgia, so why continue to recruit there?
USC Trojans Struggles In Georgia Are Not Entirely True
There is no denying, the above players are all extremely talented, and it would have been great if USC were able to retain and sign all of them. Let’s not get that part twisted.
However, even with the losses of these premier players, the Trojans have actually still been wildly successful in Georgia.
Over the last 2 years we have the following from Georgia:
— Sidelines – USC ✌️ (@SSN_USC) May 15, 2025
Kameryn Fountain
Alex Payne
Walter Matthews
Kendarius Reddick
Steve Miller
Recruiting across the country is hard for any team, but let’s not push a narrative for no reason ✌️ https://t.co/zE7haiFEb7
In a more recent time frame than the one listed above, the USC Trojans have signed these premier players from Georgia:
- 4-Star Kameryn Fountain (9th-Ranked EDGE)
- 4-Star Alex Payne (18th-Ranked OT)
- 4-Star Walter Matthews (14th-Ranked TE)
- 4-Star Kendarius Reddick (39th-Ranked S)
- 4-Star Steve Miller (41st-Ranked S)
Now, in reality, none of this matters until we see any of these prospects play, and then we can summarize if it actually matters.
The USC Trojans have to continue recruiting in Georgia. They are a national brand, and there are too many good players in the state to ignore. The key is going after the right players and not pouring all of the resources there.
Also Read: After Parting Ways With 5-Star Xavier Griffin, Latest Intel On USC Trojans Targets
California must be the primary focus, and it has become that with GM Chad Bowden at the helm. Build the class with California kids, but continue to add a few from the south to every class.
The loss of Xavier Griffin stings, but the new approach for the Trojans is that once you are committed, you have to be fully committed and stop taking visits. Griffin committed last July, before Bowden and the front office were hired, and before this new strategy/practice was implemented.
Ultimately, we have to see it play out for a few seasons to see if it is the correct strategy or not. Time will tell, but the USC Trojans still have a very strong class and are close to adding a few more very talented players.
Buckle up, Trojan Fam.