DT Justus Terry Flips From Georgia, Commits To USC
The USC defense was a disaster last year, thanks in large part to former Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch, but with a new regime on the defensive side of the ball, this recruiting cycle was all about bolstering a defense that finished 119th in yards allowed per game at 432.8. Lincoln Riley was able to flip five-star Defensive Tackle Justus Terry from Georgia (per ESPN) to come play for the Trojans next season, which is a massive get for the program. This is the second five-star recruit for USC during this cycle, as they also landed the number one player in the class, QB Julian Lewis.
Terry, the number eight player in the 2025 class, number two Defensive Tackle, and third-ranked player in the state of Georgia, could make an immediate impact for the Trojans when he arrives on campus. He is listed at 6’5, 275 lbs and had offers from Florida State, Miami, Alabama, and had been committed to play for newly extended Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs since January of 2023 before flipping. Last season, he finished with 78 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss), 13(!) sacks and two forced fumbles. He also saw snaps at Tight End, logging a touchdown last season.
Justus Terry is going to make a massive impact on the USC defense, which allowed 34.9 points per game (T-123rd) 183.7 rushing yards per game (117th), and will help bolster the tackles for loss totals, which sat at 6.75 per game, which was good enough for 23rd in the country. He won’t have a ton of competition for snaps early, as the current depth chart for the Trojans at Defensive Tackle is Bear Alexander, Elijah Hughes, and Kobe Pepe. USC fans should be over the moon with this commitment.
