2026 No. 1 prospect and USC commit Julian 'Juju' Lewis reclassifies to 2025

Carrollton (Ga.) USC elite quarterback commit Julian ‘Juju’ Lewis has announced his reclassification to the 2025 recruiting class. Lewis was the No. 1 overall prospect in the early rankings for the 2026 cycle.

“Since I was 7 years old one of my goals has been to play D1 football,” he told On3. “Through hard work and sacrifice, that goal has become a reality. I have been blessed to have two good seasons under Coach Joey King and I have confidence that after this coming season I will be ready to compete at the next level. So after much prayer and talking with my family, coaches and trainers I will be reclassifying to the Class of 2025.”

Lewis committed to USC on August 22, choosing the Trojans over in-state Georgia and others. The Bulldogs and others have remained in pursuit though, as Lewis has visited a few different campuses this fall and plans to see more this winter and spring.

Lewis is excited about the future at USC under Lincoln Riley

He is planning to visit Auburn and Georgia in the coming weeks before the dead period in February kicks in. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Texas are the schools competing with USC, and despite those visits, he still remains locked in with Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.

“At the end of the day, it is about what Coach Riley does with quarterbacks,” Lewis told On3 about his commitment in August. “Coach Riley develops quarterbacks, he really knows how to manage the room and he knows how to feature guys at that position. The track record he has with quarterbacks really made a big difference in my recruitment.”

He was a finalist for Gatorade National Player of the Year alongside two senior class quarterbacks — Five-Star Plus+ Alabama signee Julian Sayin and Five-Star Plus+ Florida signee DJ Lagway — this fall.

Lewis, the youngest of the trio, threw for 3,094 passing yards and 48 touchdowns in the 2023 season. He was intercepted just twice in 13 games and once accounted for seven touchdowns in one night.

Julian ‘Juju’ Lewis Scouting Summary

“Polished signal caller who turned in the most productive freshman season among 2026 quarterbacks. Has been touted as a high-profile prospect, earning offers as a middle schooler. Measured in at around 6-foot-0.5, 185 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand prior to his sophomore season. Turned in a strong freshman campaign, completing 65.5% of his passes for over 4,100 yards and 48 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while leading his team to a state title appearance. Played well while facing some of the strongest competition among 2026 quarterbacks.

“Has advanced accuracy and overall polish at this early stage. Very consistent on a throw-to-throw basis in the camp setting. Shows the ability to locate passes to several areas, including over the middle of the field. Shows nice touch and ability to layer the football. Navigates the pocket well, sliding up to elude pass rushers. Can make defenders miss in space. Has plenty of time to continue growing, but is not overly physically imposing at this stage. Flashes a good arm, but his upside as a pure, top arm talent remains to be seen. Can also continue improving as a creative playmaker as he gets more varsity experience.”