4 USC Trojans Recruiting Targets If Five-Star QB Julian Lewis Decommits

The USC Trojans recruiting class for 2025 got off to a roaring start, with three five-star recruits headlining one of the best classes in the nation. Two of those recruits (Isaiah Gibson and Justus Terry) have since decommitted, raising more questions about Julian Lewis’ commitment to the Trojans.

Lewis, a consensus five-star recruit committed to USC on Aug. 22, 2023. It was a monumental day for the Trojans’ football program, with Lincoln Riley envisioning the top quarterback prospect as the eventual heir to Caleb Williams.

Related: USC Trojans Lose Five-Star Recruit Isaiah Gibson

A Georgia native, Lewis is still holding to his USC commitment. However, the 6-foot-1 quarterback is keeping his options open and the forecast on what program he plays for seems to be shifting. Along with visits to Auburn (June 14) and Colorado (June 21), recruiting predictions have shifted.

The On3.com recruiting prediction machine only gives USC a 19.3 percent chance of keeping Lewis’ commitment. It’s second behind the Georgia Bulldogs (23.8 percent) with the Auburn Tigers (12.8 percent) and Alabama Crimson Tide (10.7 percent right behind).

• Julian Lewis stats ( MaxPreps ) : 3,094 passing yards, 66.4% completion rate, 48 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 140.1 QB rating

Related: USC Trojans Football Commits 2025

Considering everything that’s already happened, it’s worth highlighting potential USC Trojans targets if Lewis decommits this summer.

Bryce Underwood, QB, LSU Tigers commit

It’s a well-known story now that Lincoln Riley previously turned down Bryce Underwood. It’s certainly a statement about how much the USC Trojans coaching staff loves Julian Lewis, but it also highlights that ultra-gifted quarterbacks want to play in Riley’s system.

Related: USC Trojans recruiting targets to replace Justus Terry

Underwood is the highest-rated quarterback recruit in the country with both On3.com and 247 Sports rating him as the best player in the entire 2025 recruiting class. Underwood is an LSU Tigers commit right now, but USC could revisit things if Lewis decommits. There would obviously need to be some apologies after initially turning Underwood away, but his interest in USC was clear before and it could be an ideal fit long term.

Husan Longstreet, QB, Texas A&M commit

One big problem for USC if Lewis decommits is that a majority of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class are already committed to schools. Of course, Lewis opening up his recruitment would be the perfect example that these situations can change in a hurry.

Related: Highest-paid Athletic Directors

Husan Longstreet is a California native who stars at Centennial High School, well within driving range of USC. The 6-foot-1 quarterback is rated as the seventh-best signal-caller by On3.com with 247 Sports rating him as the best 2025 recruit in California. If Lewis heads elsewhere, Longstreet would provide USC with a replacement five-star quarterback prospect who has ties to the region. It should also be noted that Longstreet performed better than Lewis at the Elite 11 Finals .

Madden Iamaleava, QB, UCLA commit

Losing their highest-rated recruit would be a massive blow to USC’s recruiting efforts in 2025. It could also force Riley to try and poach talent from within the state, reaching out to Madden Iamaleava to see if the four-star quarterback wants to flip his commitment.

• Madden Iamaleava stats ( MaxPreps ) : 3,526 passing yards, 63% completion rate, 278.9 passing yards per game, 43-4 TD-INT, 137.4 B rating, 305 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns

Also Read: UCLA Bruins Football Commits 2025

The brother of Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava, Madden took over as the starting quarterback for Warren when his brother left for college. He’s already posting better statistics than his brother did and generating a lot of buzz from coaches. The 6-foot-3 quarterback is known for his arm strength and the ability to extend plays and make throws on the run.

Akili Smith Jr, QB, Oregon commit

With Dante Moore viewed as the quarterback of the future for the Oregon Ducks, there might not ultimately be a clear path to playing time in Eugene for Akili Smith Jr. If Lewis decommits, the San Diego native is someone who could easily pop up on the Trojans’ radar.

Smith, 6-foot-5, already offers the prototype size and arm strength you look for at the position. He’s also shown some impressive year-to-year development, which bodes well for his ability to work with the Trojans coaching staff. He’s only a four-star prospect, so there wouldn’t be as much buzz if USC can flip him. With that said the California standout could be a high-reward option if Riley loses his top guy.

More must-reads:

• USC Football Bros. Tee Off for Charity: Announce 1st Annual ‘Top Golf Classic’ to Support Local Youth
• USC Trojans 2025 QB Julian Lewis Earns Promising Reviews After Elite 11 Finals