Star 2026 quarterback Julian Lewis committed to USC on Tuesday, he announced on social media. Lewis, the top player in the nation by the 247Sports Composite, chose the Trojans after releasing a top eight last month that included USC, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, LSU, Ohio State, Florida State and Texas A&M.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Lewis is from Carrollton, Ga., and has been in the spotlight as college football’s potential next star since he was just 14 years old.
- He attends Carrollton (Ga.) High School and is coached by Joey King, most famous for coaching Clemson star and top 2021 NFL Draft pick Trevor Lawrence.
- Lewis is one of just two ranked 2026 quarterbacks in 247Sports’ database to issue a commitment. The other is four-star Landon Duckworth, who committed to South Carolina.
- Lewis will be considered the heir to five-star Malachi Nelson, who is expected to replace Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams after this season.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What does this mean for USC?
It’s no surprise that Lincoln Riley has landed a top-flight quarterback recruit. He’s produced three Heisman Trophy winners in six years as a coach. The Trojans have been in a good position with Lewis for several months. It came down to USC and Alabama for Lewis, who’s an athletic QB who can hurt teams with his arm as well.
The major question is will Lewis reclassify to the 2025 recruiting class? The Trojans signed Nelson in the 2023 cycle but have no quarterback commits in the 2024 or 2025 classes. — Morales
What’s next?
Hanging onto Lewis will be of the utmost importance for the Trojans, who know that signing day for the 2026 class is a long way away. Even if Lewis reclassifies to 2025, we’re still looking at a year-plus until the pen hits the paper.
That’s not to suggest that Lewis is a candidate to flip, it’s just worth noting that the earlier a prospect commits to a school, the harder it can be for the school to hang onto him. You can guarantee his other suitors aren’t done reaching out. — Raynor
Required reading
(Photo: Jerome Miron / USA Today)
