The USC football program experienced a significant shift in its 2025 quarterback recruiting class today, as the Trojans lost the commitment of five-star prospect Julian Lewis (Carrollton, Georgia) but landed a huge win by flipping another highly-rated 2025 QB, Husan Longstreet from Corona, California.
Bad News First: Julian Lewis Decommits
The decommitment of Julian Lewis, a consensus top-5 quarterback in the 2025 class, didn’t come as a complete shock to many in the recruiting world. Despite committing to USC back in August, Lewis had continued to take visits and entertain offers from other programs. His decommitment is the latest twist in a recruiting saga that has kept college football fans on edge, especially after reports surfaced that he had been in contact with other schools, including Georgia and Florida State.
Lewis had been expected to be the centerpiece of USC’s quarterback class, but his commitment was always a bit tentative, given that he hadn’t fully shut the door on other options. The timing of his decommitment now creates a bit of uncertainty for head coach Lincoln Riley’s quarterback depth chart moving forward. However, the Trojans were prepared for the possibility of this loss, and they’ve already added a new signal-caller who could be just as impactful.
The Good News: Husan Longstreet Flips to USC
While the news surrounding Lewis may sting, the Trojans received a major boost with the flip of Husan Longstreet, a highly-rated quarterback from Centennial High School in Corona, California. Longstreet, who had been committed to Texas A&M since April, visited USC this past weekend, and the buzz surrounding his visit was palpable. Less than a week later, Longstreet made the decision to decommit from the Aggies and commit to the Trojans.
Longstreet’s decision to flip is a significant victory for USC, as the 6’4”, 220-pound quarterback ranks as one of the best in the 2025 class. Last season, he threw for over 3,000 yards and rushed for nearly 700 more, totaling more than 30 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability makes him a dynamic playmaker, and his combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ makes him an ideal fit for Riley’s offense.
Recruiting rankings have Longstreet firmly positioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The consensus on Longstreet is that he’s a top-100 prospect, with the 247Sports composite ranking him as the fourth-best quarterback in the class. Rivals has him slightly lower at No. 8, but he remains a highly coveted recruit. His commitment to USC will add to the Trojans’ already impressive quarterback pipeline, especially considering the program’s recent history of developing star quarterbacks under Riley’s tutelage.
Comparing Longstreet and Lewis: A Similar Profile
In terms of talent, Longstreet and Lewis are extremely comparable, both in terms of their ranking and their style of play. Longstreet holds a slightly higher On3 industry ranking (96.47 compared to Lewis’s 95.88), and he’s ranked just behind Lewis in the majority of recruiting rankings. They are both prototypical quarterbacks in terms of size, with Longstreet being an inch taller and 9 pounds heavier than Lewis.
While Lewis had a more highly publicized recruitment, with some even ranking him as the No. 1 QB in the class, Longstreet has proven himself as a dynamic dual-threat player with the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. Both quarterbacks are expected to join major college programs as freshmen and could compete for playing time early in their careers.
It’s clear that while USC may have lost a top quarterback recruit in Lewis, Longstreet provides a more than adequate replacement. Both quarterbacks were highly regarded and could develop into franchise players under the right coaching. For USC, the Longstreet flip helps cushion the blow of Lewis’s decommitment, giving the Trojans a strong presence at quarterback for years to come.
What’s Next for Julian Lewis?
Although Lewis is no longer committed to USC, his recruitment is far from over. With his decommitment, many believe he could be headed to another high-profile program, and all eyes are on Colorado. The Buffaloes, led by head coach Deion Sanders, are in the midst of a breakout season and are expected to have an opening at quarterback after Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, likely heads to the 2025 NFL Draft. Colorado’s strong season (currently 8-2) and the potential for immediate playing time could be an attractive option for Lewis, who is from Georgia but has long been considered a national recruit with the flexibility to play anywhere.
As USC faces a bit of uncertainty at quarterback, the Trojans will need to continue to build around Longstreet and the other pieces they are bringing in. Whether or not Lewis ends up at Colorado remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: USC’s quarterback room just got stronger with Longstreet’s commitment.
USC’s Recruiting Future
The Trojans are still positioned as one of the top teams in the nation when it comes to recruiting, especially under Lincoln Riley, who has developed a reputation for attracting elite talent at the quarterback position. Even with the loss of Lewis, USC has proven its ability to pivot quickly and land another top-tier QB in Longstreet, ensuring that the Trojans’ future under center remains bright.
As for the present, USC (currently 5-5) will focus on the rest of its 2023 season, trying to salvage a bowl berth and improve its record. But when it comes to recruiting, today’s news reinforces the idea that the Trojans are still a powerhouse program capable of turning heads on the national stage, even when the chips are down.
In the end, the flip of Husan Longstreet could be exactly what USC needs to weather the storm of losing Julian Lewis — a win that solidifies the Trojans as one of the premier quarterback destinations in the country.
