We have known for quite some time now, but 4-star OT Carde Smith officially de-committed from the USC Trojans yesterday. He is predicted to follow Julian Lewis to Colorado, but we are moving past that, and clearly, USC has as well.
Just last night, after the news dropped, we wrote about a few offensive linemen to watch as USC was making a strong push.
One of those was current North Carolina commit Alex Payne.
As of this afternoon, both Steve Wiltfong and Scott Schrader of On3, and Tom Loy of 247Sports, have put in crystal balls that Payne will flip his commitment to the USC Trojans.
USC Trojans Get Upgrade With Alex Payne?
Now let us preface that these are always projections as none of these kids have played a snap in college football yet, but per industry rankings, if Payne does indeed flip to USC they will be upgrading the position.
According to On3’s industry rankings, Payne is the 15th-ranked OT in the 2025 class, while Carde Smith sits at 20. USC also has the commitment of the 17th-ranked OT in Aaron Dunn, who they flipped from Utah last month.
Payne has been heavily recruited by the usual suspects in the ACC and SEC but also holds an offer from Penn State in the Big Ten. The 6’5, 265-pound Gainsville, Georgia product has been committed to the Tar Heels since January of this year.
Also Read: Elite CA EDGE Considering Flip To USC Trojans?
This would be a huge flip for Lincoln Riley, Josh Henson, and the entire staff as they look to solidify the trenches moving forward.
Even if this commitment flip does become official, I do not expect them to be done with the offensive line yet. Since 2023, Lincoln Riley has had five offensive linemen in each class. Adding Payne would put them at four for the 2025 class.
Another name to keep an eye on is current Texas A&M commit Jonte Newman. Newman is the 24th-ranked OT in the class.
We are officially in flip season.