USC trying to fend off Georgia, Alabama and more for 5-star QB commit Julian Lewis

USC pulled off a massive recruiting coup in August when five-star quarterback Julian Lewis — then a member of the Class of 2026 — committed to the Trojans.

Lewis, out of Carrollton (Ga.), chose Lincoln Riley and Co. over SEC powers like Georgia and Alabama, as well as Texas and a number of other programs. When he committed, Lewis was more than two years away from signing his National Letter of Intent, but in January, he reclassified to 2025 and sped up his recruiting process by a full calendar year.

Georgia and Alabama were already in pursuit before that, but it has only ramped up since his reclassification. Meanwhile, Lewis hasn’t made the trip from Carrollton to USC in nearly 10 months. And there is buzz that his commitment to the Trojans could be in jeopardy by the time he signs in December.

On Wednesday, USC recruiting insider Scott Schrader gave his take on the situation during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show.

“I think the reality is, you can’t just look at this situation and say ‘Oh, he just wants to get his visits in and he’s just doing what he needs to do to take care of business in case something goes wrong at USC,'” Schrader told host Josh Newberg. “There has to be legit concerns when you’re taking multiple visits to Georgia, Alabama, Indiana, and even Colorado got a visit.

… I think there’s only a few schools that would actually compete with Lincoln Riley and what he offers, and Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State are certainly among them. USC’s not expecting a decommitment, but at the same time it wouldn’t shock them if that ultimately happens. But at this moment USC is not sitting around waiting for Julian Lewis to decommit.”

Georgia is not going to relent in its pursuit

In spite of his commitment to the Trojans, Georgia’s efforts to flip Lewis have only increased. In total, he’s been on campus at UGA more than a dozen times as a recruit, including a trip earlier this month right before the recruiting dead period.

“This was his 13th visit to the University of Georgia since he was a freshman, that tells you that they are definitely on his mind. I think Georgia understands having a major in-state target at quarterback, (Lewis) knows a lot of kids, he has a lot of pull around the country,” Georgia recruiting insider Rusty Mansell said on The Inside Scoop last week.

“Still committed to USC, but he has taken multiple visits, he has made sure that he’s going to see a lot of schools. I think Georgia is definitely in play here. Kirby Smart, Mike Bobo, everybody spent time with him.”

Lewis remains committed for now, and he continues to tell reporters the right things. But as visits resume next month and official visits kick off in June, he will be one of the prospects everyone in the country is watching.

Julian Lewis Recruiting Profile

The 6-foot, 185-pounder is the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“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.”