BREAKING: USC commit teases potential flip to top rival during official visit
The five-star quarterback created a buzz on social media recently. USC lost two five-star commitments last week and now faces uncertainty as 2025 five-star quarterback commit Julian Lewis took official visits to Auburn and Colorado the past two weekends. On Sunday, Lewis hinted at a possible flip to the Buffaloes, posting a picture of Colorado’s current quarterback Shedeur Sanders handing him the keys to the program with the caption: “Could it be Perfect Timing?”
The Boulder community enthusiastically welcomed Lewis during his much-anticipated visit to Colorado. Fans greeted him upon arrival at the Champion Center on Saturday, and The Sink, a 101-year-old burger restaurant in Boulder, introduced the “Juju’s Precision Pass Burger” on Friday in his honor.
Lewis, ranked as the No. 16 prospect and No. 3 quarterback in the 2025 class, recently impressed at the Elite 11 Finals, finishing as the No. 7 quarterback. Reflecting on his commitment to USC in 2023, he told national recruiting analyst Tom Loy, “That was pre-10th grade season. I believe in Coach Riley and what he’s building. Despite recent decommitments, I trust in his offense and his track record with quarterbacks. That’s why I chose USC.”
Could it be “Perfect Timing” ?@DeionSanders @ShedeurSanders @CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/iON38GdCEi
— Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis QB (@JuJuLewis10) June 23, 2024
USC had been off to a strong start in the 2025 recruiting cycle, securing a top-10 class with multiple five-star commits. However, their momentum stalled when Justus Terry and fellow five-star defender Isaiah Gibson decommitted last week, dropping USC to No. 15 in the recruiting rankings. Despite these setbacks, the program remains “on the right track,” according to Late Kick host Josh Pate.
“This process is tough,” Pate noted. “Top-tier recruiting often involves challenges. Coaches like Kirby Smart and Nick Saban bear scars from these battles. Did anyone think Lincoln Riley would be immune?”
Pate emphasized that USC’s ability to initially secure commitments from top defensive talents like Terry and Gibson reflects progress, especially after hiring new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. Although they lost these commitments, the team’s defensive improvements have resonated with recruits nationwide.
“You won’t win them all,” Pate said. “Verbal commitments aren’t guaranteed. However, the fact that USC is involved in these high-stakes recruiting battles indicates they’re on the right path. It’s tough, especially for fans who got their hopes up with five-star commitments, but this is part of the journey.”
Carter Bahns contributed to this report.