As the 2025 recruitment drive reaches its final stages, Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze is preparing for a major push. Freeze might need to employ a recruitment strategy equivalent to jet-fueled turbo boosters, as 5-Star quarterback Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis is reconsidering his commitment to USC.
Lewis, ranked as the No. 1 quarterback prospect by both ESPN and Rivals and listed in the top-5 by 247Sports and On3, hails from Carrollton, Georgia, just 90 miles from Auburn’s campus. This proximity could work in Auburn’s favor as they pursue their next star QB.
Analyst Philip Dukes of On3 believes Freeze’s successful recruitment of offensive linemen could attract Lewis. “Can they continue to recruit, continue to stockpile on the offensive line so they can prove they can protect Juju [Lewis], and how do they finish with these other top receivers?” Duke pondered during a recent episode of The Five Star Flex.
Adding more weapons to the offense, Freeze has already secured a top running back in Alvin Henderson. However, he knows he needs to deliver even more talent to catch Lewis’s interest.
Rumors of Lewis reconsidering his commitment to USC gained traction after his visit to Auburn last month and a highly publicized visit to Colorado to see Coach Prime. The allure and excitement of Colorado’s program present a significant challenge to Auburn and USC.
According to Dukes, the race for Lewis is still wide open. “If I had to bust it down the middle, I wouldn’t lean any way with any of these schools,” Dukes said. “What I do think is that Colorado really gave the Lewis family a lot to think about this weekend. I think that Auburn is going to continue to push, and I think that USC – as long as he’s committed to USC, I think you can never count them out, and I’d say they are the leader because that’s where he’s committed.”
Despite USC losing a pair of 5-Star recruits, Justus Terry and Isiaah Gibson, Lewis remains confident in Coach Lincoln Riley’s program. “I believe in Coach Riley, and I believe in what he’s building over there,” Lewis told 247Sports at the Elite 11 Finals. “We had a couple of kids decommit recently, but I believe in him, his offense, and what he’s done with quarterbacks. That’s ultimately why I chose USC.”
Lewis’s belief in Riley’s ability to develop quarterbacks is a significant factor in his decision-making process, hinting that he sees USC as the best path to prepare for a professional career.
As Auburn continues its aggressive pursuit of Lewis, the excitement and drama of high-profile collegiate recruitment are on full display. With top-10 recruit Walker White already on campus, the Tigers are determined to add another elite talent to their roster.
