5-Star DT Justus Terry Commits to USC, Lincoln Riley after Flipping from Georgia

USC landed a major commitment from one of the best defensive prospects in the nation.

Class of 2025 5-star defensive tackle Justus Terry flipped his commitment from Georgia to the Trojans on Sunday, per ESPN's Tom VanHaaren. Terry is ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 8 overall player in 247Sports' composite.

Terry had been committed to the Bulldogs since January 2023 before flipping his commitment. VanHaaren noted that the hiring of defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and defensive line coach Eric Henderson by USC head coach Lincoln Riley was a major factor in landing Terry, as "both coaches played a role" in getting him to flip.

A 6'5", 270-pound recruit out of Manchester (Georgia) High School, Terry was described as a "potential bully in the middle" who "should be viewed as a possible impact player for a College Football Playoff contender with his tools" by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins. It was also noted that Terry has "NFL upside" and "could be molded into a variety of different things at the next level and already has experience setting up in a variety of alignments."

Riley has been focused on improving the defensive side of the ball after the Trojans ranked 119th in the nation with 432.8 yards allowed per game. The staff has signed 12 defensive prospects in the 2024 class and now landed a potential star in the 2025 class with Terry's commitment.

Terry is now USC's second 5-star 2025 recruit, joining quarterback Julian Lewis, who is ranked as the No. 2 signal-caller in the class.