By Apollo Lundin
Over the last 20 years, the USC Trojans have been ranked in the preseason poll every year except once. After starting the year ranked 23rd, and getting ranked as high as 11th, USC heads into the rest of its schedule barely above .500 at 3-2 in their third season under Lincoln Riley. The Trojans are still adjusting to life without Caleb Williams, and the 2025 USC recruiting class, led by Jerome Myles, looks to help Riley transition to winning post-Williams.
Jerome Myles
Draper, UT (Corner Canyon)
#37 NAT, #7 WR, #1 UT
Listed at 6’2” and 210 lbs., Jerome Myles has a great build that positions him to be a large target for Miller Moss and beyond if he starts as a freshman. Myles uses his blazing speed to create space and finish plays for touchdowns or large gains. When he does not create seperation, Myles is still a capable receiver, using his height and vertical to rise up for contested catches.
Jerome Myles is a willing blocker in the run game, which should make head coach Lincoln Riley foam at the mouth. Myles has played in seven varsity games throughout his high school career so far at Corner Canyon and has tallied 28 receptions for 732 yards with 10 touchdowns. He added eight touchdowns and 699 yards his sophomore year at West Jordan High School, where he played nine games.
Jerome Myles also runs track, posting a fantastic 10.36 100 that broke the Utah state record. Myles held 28 offers but chose the Trojans over Utah and Texas A&M. He was previously committed to Ole Miss.
Julian Lewis
Carrollton, GA (Carrollton)
#15 NAT, #4 QB, #3 GA
Listed at 6’0” and 185 lbs., Julian Lewis is undersized for the quarterback position. This does not define him, as he possesses a great pocket presence. Lewis is great at buying time and throwing on the run, which should translate to the next level. He has great arm strength, allowing him to get throws out on target quickly. A four-year varsity starter in high school, Lewis tallied 8,914 yards, 123 touchdowns to only 18 interceptions, and a 68% completion percentage.
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Lewis was originally a member of the 2026 class but reclassified to the 2025 class. Lewis won the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year award and was the runner-up for the Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year in 2023.
Lewis held 37 offers but chose the Trojans over schools like Colorado, Auburn, and Indiana, who are still attempting to flip Lewis.
Matai Tagoa’i
San Clemente, CA (San Clemente)
#73 NAT, #8 LB, #6 GA
At 6’4”, 190 lbs., Matai Tagoa’i possesses a solid build for a quick linebacker with room to add more weight. His build and skillset allow for flexibility to be played inside or outside and in the secondary at safety. Tagoa’i is patient in coverage and should be solid in zone coverage at the next level. When blitzing, the Southern California prospect has a quick first step and shows great pursuit of getting to the backfield which should translate to the next level. Through eleven games in his varsity high school career, Tagoa’i tallied seven sacks, one interception, 40 solo tackles, 59 total tackles, and eight tackles for loss.
Tagoa’i is a two-sport athlete who also plays basketball for San Clemente. He held 25 offers but chose the Trojans on April 1st, 2024 over schools like Washington, Alabama, and Texas.
