Lincoln Riley made it clear heading into the USC Trojans’ spring practices that recruiting players and developing them is the road forward for the program. And Riley has made good on his word to ‘get it right.‘
The USC Trojans are currently listed as the 3rd best recruiters so far in the 2025 class. So far this season they have secured commitments from two 5-Star players and three 4-Star players from the class.
An interesting point to make is that four out of the five players are defenders. This is by design. Riley revamped the USC Trojans defensive coaching staff, bringing in D’Anton Lynn as defensive coordinator, who is credited with turning around the UCLA defense in just one season. Matt Entz was added as linebackers coach. Entz has loads of recruiting experience as a head coach of North Dakota State for the last five seasons. Eric Henderson was also added as defensive line coach. Henderson is currently ranked as the nation’s third-best recruiter.
Henderson is credited with getting Justus Terry to flip his commitment to Georgia to the USC Trojans. He also likely played a big part in convincing Bear Alexander to remain with the USC Trojans.
USC Trojans 2025 Top Recruits
Justus Terry, DL, 6’5″ 275 LBS
A potential bully in the middle. Looks college ready at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds and actually went viral on social media as an 8th grader because of his physique. Can storm his way into the backfield with his raw power and trouble blockers with his initial get-off. Moves well laterally, and will work down the line of scrimmage to make stops. Active with his hands, but must keep evolving as a pass rusher.
Impressed at Under Armour’s Future 50 event and looked like one of the top point-of-attack players in attendance, which is important because he hasn’t exactly faced the stiffest competition on Friday nights. Should be viewed as a possible impact player for a College Football Playoff contender with his tools. Could be molded into a variety of different things at the next level and already has experience setting up in a variety of alignments. NFL upside.
Andrew Ivins 247 Sports DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING
Julian Lewis, QB, 6’1″ 185 lbs
A de facto point guard on the gridiron that can distribute the football like few others. Won’t blow many away with his build, but makes up for his subpar measurables with his ability to scan the field and manipulate defenses with his eyes. Compact release allows him to rip tight, accurate spirals to all different levels. Might not have a true cannon, but will drop balls over coverage well into the deeper third. Has proven to be a crafty mover both in and outside of the pocket and will extend plays like a true escape artist.
Elected to forgo his senior season after reclassifying and moving up a year, but has already shown that he’s well ahead of the curve, posting a 25-3 record in two seasons while competing in the Peach State’s highest classification. Size might be a sticking point for some, but rare intangibles make him one of the top passers in the 2025 cycle as he constantly finds ways to move the chains. Tailor made for a modern spread attack that wants to push the pace and constantly challenge defenses.
Andrew Ivins 247 Sports DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING
Isaiah Gibson, Edge, 6’4″ 240 lbs
Isaiah Gibson prides himself on being a complete person – both on and off the field. Away from his success on the football field, Gibson spends time volunteering with local elementary schools in his community as well as the Middle Georgia Power Travel football team – the program he played with growing up. “The young kids will always try to do good in front of you, they always want to try their best so they can show you who they really are, so it’s like when the young kids want to see you do the same thing,” Gibson told WGXA. “I do this all for the kids. I don’t just do it for me.”
And Warner Robins high school coach Shane Sams says Gibson makes a big impression with the kids and on the field. “He’s just a great kid to hang around,” Sams said. “He comes in and works every single day. He’s just somebody to be fun around. And he’s one heck of a football player, too.”
On3.com
Hylton Stubbs, S, 6’1″ 180 lbs
A stringy safety prospect with the instincts and skills to make plays and create takeaways. Measured close to 6-foot-1, 180 pounds summer before junior season. On the leaner side, which means that physical maturation could dictate the type of defender that he will become at the next level. Oftentimes aware of his surroundings and will drive to the catch point, frequently arriving with the ball.
Can deliver a blow and is an overall willing participant in run support, but improved technique is only going to make him a more effective open-field tackler. Hasn’t been asked to play a bunch of man-coverage at the prep level, but has the length to match tight ends that slip out over the middle. Owns some impressive jumping markers, but 40-yard dash time suggests that he lacks elite burst. Should be viewed as a possible impact player on the backend for a Power Five program. Must keep progressing, but has the size and football IQ defensive coordinators covet.
Andrew Ivins 247 Sports DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING
Matai Tagoa’i, LB, 6’4″ 190 lbs
Tagoa’i is a long, athletic defender who plays inside and outside ‘backer for the Tritons and we could see him adding weight and growing in to an edge rusher in college. At 6-4, 195 pounds, he has a projectable frame and does a little of everything well. He’s an explosive athlete with a quick get-off and can really get around the edge. He has very good closing speed and can run down plays from behind.
He’s a fluid athlete and looks natural dropping in coverage and he plays with a nice edge in his game as well. He’ll take some chances and will need to start disciplined but his upside is extremely high. When you look at his ability to play in space, rush the passer or even drop in coverage, he’s an easy player to project as a national recruit with the talent to play for just about anyone in the country.
Greg Biggins 247 Sports National Recruiting Analyst
