The USC Trojans entered late June with one of the best 2025 recruiting classes on college football. It’s suddenly taking a massive hit with five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson de-committing from the program on Tuesday afternoon.
Gibson, rated by 247 Sports as the No. 1 edge rusher in the country, committed to USC on March 24. The decision came just a few days after he took an unofficial visit with the Georgia Bulldogs. Nearly three months later, Gibson has re-opened his recruiting process following an official visit to Auburn.
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Hayes Fawcett of On3.com first reported the news, with the 6-foot-5 edge rusher officially de-committing from the Trojans and opening up one of the most intense recruiting battles in the country.
USC isn’t out of the mix for the prized edge rusher out of Warner Robins High School. Following his commitment, On3.com has the Georgia Bulldogs as a slight favorite (49.7 percent) followed by the Trojans in second at 43.2 percent. None of the other teams listed in the top five South Carolina, Auburn, and Oklahoma – are viewed as having higher than a 1.5 percent chance of landing him.
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247 Sports Crystal Ball predictions aren’t nearly as optimistic, forecasting that Georgia has a 75 percent chance of receiving Gibson’s commitment. However, lead expert Anna Adams lists the projection at medium confidence, with the Bulldogs receiving a six and USC at a four.
GIbson’s decision comes at a time when there are already whispers that fellow five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry might decommit from USC. A Georgia native, On3.com’s recruiting prediction machine lists the Bulldogs as the favorites to land him at 36.9 percent with USC in second at 26 percent.
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Fortunately, there is some positive Trojans recruiting news. Following a visit to Auburn, five-star quarterback Julian Lewis said he is still locked in with the Trojans.
While USC will continue to pursue Gibson, the Trojans are also in the mix for five-star defensive lineman Elijah Griffin and they are among the finalists for a four-star defensive line prospect.
