USC football recruiting: QB commit Jake Garcia predicted to land with Miami

USC football is facing a growing challenge from Miami for QB Jake Garcia.

Quarterback Jake Garcia is the highest-rated prospect in USC football’s 2021 recruiting class. He’s also the one the Trojans could have the hardest time holding onto as the recruiting cycle unfolds.

The Trojans may hold the commitment now, but Miami has made a strong push for the quarterback. On Sunday, that push yielded a worrying sign.

JJ Garrett of Bulls247, a USF recruiting site, changed his prediction in the 247Sports Crystal Ball from USC to Miami.

Jake Garcia is committed to USC football, but Miami is waiting in the wings.

Despite the new projection from a Florida-based journalist, the Trojans still have the overall edge in the Crystal Ball, with 87 percent of picks. Miami Insider Andrew Ivins has long put the Hurricanes on top in the recruitment while USC has the backing of five “Lead Experts.”

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Garcia’s recruitment has been a bit of a rollercoaster since he committed to the Trojans the day after USC lost Bryce Young to Alabama. He transferred from Narbonne after the Gauchos program was slammed with penalties and the resignation of coach Manny Douglas.

When the Trojans accepted the commitment of another Top 100 quarterback prospect in Miller Moss this spring, Garcia’s willingness to be part of a two-man quarterback class was closely gauged.

Then the coronavirus pandemic saw CIF delay the 2020 high school football season in California to the spring. In a bid to play games this fall, Garcia transferred again from La Habra to Valdosta in Georgia, putting him that much closer to Miami’s influence.

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Garcia remains committed to USC and more signs point to him sticking it out than leaving. Then again, in recruiting things can change in the blink of an eye. The Trojans will have to make sure the latest prediction isn’t the start of a trend.

The 247Sports composite ranks Garcia No. 37 nationally and fourth among pro-style quarterbacks.