RJ Sermons Joins USC 2025 Class, Eyes Immediate Impact

RJ Sermons, a top-ranked cornerback from Rancho Cucamonga High School, has reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 recruiting class and will join USC in July, providing a significant boost to the Trojans' secondary. Previously ESPN's No. 2 cornerback prospect for 2026 and California's fastest high school sprinter, Sermons chose USC over elite programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oregon. His early enrollment comes after family discussions and as USC works to rebuild its defensive backfield following the loss of five starters, with Sermons expected to compete immediately for playing time. The Trojans have also added five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, who likewise reclassified. Despite Sermons' early move, USC's 2026 recruiting class remains strong, with top commitments including Elbert Hill and Brandon Lockhart. Sermons continues a family tradition, as his father Rodney Sermons played for USC in the 1990s.