National Signing Day is fast approaching, and while most top prospects have already signed and enrolled, a few high-profile recruits are still set to announce their commitments on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
One of those recruits is Mojave (NV) four-star linebacker AJ Tuitele, who recently took an official visit to USC. Analysts from 247Sports and On3 predict the Las Vegas native will choose the Trojans over Arizona, Washington, and UNLV.
“The coaching staff really stood out to me at USC during my visit,” Tuitele told On3. “Coach Lincoln Riley is cool—he even visited me before my trip to UNLV. I like how USC’s coaches support their players, and I’ve had a lot of conversations with Coach Dogg (Aaron Amaama) since they offered.”
Tuitele has risen significantly in On3’s final rankings for the 2025 recruiting cycle, now ranked as a four-star prospect, the No. 15 linebacker nationally, and the top player in Nevada. On3’s rating is higher than those from 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals, where he remains a three-star recruit.
Initially, Tuitele signed with Washington State during the early signing period in December. However, after the Cougars’ coaching staff departed for Wake Forest, he reopened his recruitment. USC, which wasn’t in the mix originally, extended an offer earlier this month.
The Trojans secured 21 high school recruits during the Early Signing Period, led by five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet (Corona Centennial, CA) and five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart (Edna Karr, LA). However, they only landed one linebacker—four-star Matai Tagoa’i (San Clemente, CA).
USC also missed out on other linebacker targets for the 2025 cycle. Four-star Ty Jackson (Seminole Ridge, FL) decommitted in November and ultimately signed with Florida. Four-star Jadon Perlotte (Buford, GA) flipped to Tennessee on the first day of the early signing period, while four-star Madden Faraimo (JSerra Catholic, CA) chose Notre Dame over USC.
The linebacker position is a significant need for USC, as leading tacklers Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Mason Cobb have exhausted their eligibility. The Trojans also did not bring in any linebackers during the winter transfer portal window.
Eric Gentry will return after redshirting due to early-season concussions, while Desman Stephens II is expected to take on a larger role following a reserve season as a freshman. Additionally, former four-star recruit Elijah Newby (2024 class) is poised for an expanded role.
Even if USC secures Tuitele’s commitment, the Trojans are likely to remain active in the spring transfer portal in search of experienced linebackers to add much-needed depth.
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