After a series of decommitments, the USC Trojans appear to be reversing their fortunes. Following the commitment of wide receiver Corey Simms last Sunday, they have now secured a pledge from local offensive lineman Elijah Vaikona.
Adding to their momentum, Tom Loy from 247 Sports has predicted that 4-star offensive lineman Carde Smith will soon commit to USC. Smith, a sizable 6’5, 293-pound offensive tackle hailing from Mobile, Alabama, had previously been committed to Auburn. However, after his official visit to USC in June, he swiftly withdrew his commitment, sparking widespread speculation that he intends to join the Trojans.
Looking at USC’s recruiting trends, the potential addition of Smith would mark the third commitment for offensive linemen in the 2025 class. In both the 2023 and 2024 classes, USC recruited five offensive linemen each, indicating a consistent emphasis on bolstering their offensive line under the guidance of Lincoln Riley and Offensive Line Coach Josh Henson.
According to evaluations by Cooper Petagna of 247 Sports, Smith demonstrates impressive athleticism, particularly in his ability to dominate at the right tackle position. His substantial size and frame enable him to overwhelm opposing defenders, showcasing quick explosiveness off the line and significant power to consistently drive defenders backward in run-blocking scenarios. Petagna suggests that while Smith excels as a run blocker now, he will likely benefit from a year or two of coaching to further refine his skills as a pass protector.
Despite these positive developments, it’s important to note that commitments are not final until National Signing Day in December, and circumstances can change. Nevertheless, these commitments represent a promising turnaround for USC after a challenging period in their recruitment efforts.
Looking ahead, the Trojans’ potential acquisition of Carde Smith underscores their commitment to strengthening their offensive line, a critical component in Lincoln Riley’s offensive strategies. With ongoing efforts in recruiting, USC’s coaching staff remains active and focused on securing top talent to bolster their roster in the coming seasons.
While an official announcement date for Smith’s commitment remains unspecified, the anticipation around his decision continues to grow. For USC, securing commitments from promising recruits like Smith not only enhances their competitive edge but also signals a resurgence in their recruiting efforts under new leadership. As the recruiting season progresses, USC fans and observers alike eagerly await further developments in their pursuit of top-tier talent for the 2025 season and beyond.
