USC Trojans Face Potential Setback with Auburn Emerging as Strong Contender for Top Recruit
The USC Trojans have recently experienced setbacks in their recruiting efforts, losing commitments from five-star defensive line prospects Justus Terry and Isaiah Gibson. Following an official visit to Auburn over the weekend, rumors have surfaced that the Auburn Tigers pose a serious threat to potentially flip Julian Lewis, the #2 quarterback prospect in the nation.
College football analyst Rusty Mansell addressed these rumors on the Crain and Company podcast, indicating that Auburn has gained momentum in their pursuit of Lewis:
If JuJu Lewis flips, I think it'll be to Auburn – @RustyMansell_ pic.twitter.com/iyX7Qgq9YP
— Crain & Company (@CrainCompany) June 19, 2024
“…in the end, if I had to bet now, I’m not 100% saying it’s gonna happen. But if you’re asking me who the biggest threat is, I think it’s Auburn. I think he’s had a couple of great visits there. I know he’s extremely close with his family. He’s already in Carrollton, which is not far from Auburn.”
“It was only a matter of time before Hugh Freeze got the wagon circled up, so to speak down at Auburn. That’s a big boy damn program. They’re gonna go in some battles. They’re gonna win some battles, but I do think right now as of 6/19. You wanna talk about a serious threat? I think Auburn is a serious threat to end up with Lewis in their class.”
Auburn is located just 85 miles from Carrollton, GA, where Lewis resides.
This is post auburn visit. @ColePinkston stop lying to auburn fans. “I’m locked in with USC”- Juju Lewis@USCJ32 @SSN_USC @SSchraderOn3 @FightOnRusty @BarstoolSC @Zooloo_Trojan @USC_Nico pic.twitter.com/Ahm3WLWzUs
— TommyTrojansHusband (@usmntking) June 18, 2024
Despite the speculation, both Lewis and USC have affirmed their commitment to each other. On3’s recruiting prediction machine currently favors Georgia to land Lewis with a 23.8 percent chance, followed by USC at 19.2 percent, and Auburn at 12.8 percent.
Lewis is scheduled to visit Colorado this weekend, but has stated that he remains fully committed to USC and Lincoln Riley, viewing the visits as an enjoyable experience. While Auburn has emerged as a contender, USC remains in control of the situation.
However, the recent developments indicate a need for USC fans to prepare for a potentially turbulent recruiting journey in the coming months.
