USC Secures Commitment from Alex Payne

USC's football recruiting efforts have gained momentum with the commitment of four-star offensive tackle Alex Payne, who flipped from North Carolina after visiting the Trojans. This addition has propelled USC to the No. 12 spot in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, as they aim for a top-10 class ahead of the Early Signing Period. In addition to Payne, USC is pursuing class of 2025 recruits Nela Tupou and has received positive predictions regarding their potential flips from other programs. The Trojans have recently faced losses in their recruiting class, including four-star defensive end Hayden Lowe and five-star quarterback Julian Lewis, but they have also secured commitments from key players like five-star QB Husan Longstreet. The current recruiting landscape highlights the importance of bolstering USC's offensive line to support their returning skill position talent next season. Meanwhile, West Virginia University faces challenges in its recruitment strategy, particularly in missing out on local talent who now thrive at the University of Central Florida.