USC football flips 4-star linebacker away from Georgia

Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans are on a hot streak when it comes to the recruiting trail. That continued Tuesday in a big way.

The Trojans have flipped 4-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte away from Georgia. That's a huge coup for the coaching staff given that Perlotte had been committed to the Bulldogs since December of 2022.

This is the type of player that the defense-hungry Trojans need to add to the mix. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound native of Buford, Georgia is one of the highest-rated players in the country.

Rated by 247Sports.com as the No. 118 prospect in the nation and the No. 16 linebacker in the class of 2025. In addition to USC and Georgia, he also holds offers from Auburn, Tennessee, Miami, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Colorado, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Ole Miss, Penn State, Texas, and several other Power Four programs.

Greg Biggins, national recruiting analyst for 247Sports.com has the following scouting report on Perlotte:

"Has a game tailor made for the next level because of his positional versatility. Shows off a rare combination of size, compete level and athleticism and can line up at about 3-4 different spots. Projectable frame at about 6-foot-3.5, 210 pounds and plays both linebacker and safety.

"He has exceptional lateral mobility, can drop and cover and plays with a consistent motor. Routinely covers wide receivers down the field in 7v7 play and is very comfortable playing in space. Can blitz off the edge and has the speed to run down plays from behind. He plays with maniacal effort and motor and has a nice mean streak to him as well. He’s a very twitchy player who reads and reacts quickly, can change direction, get off blocks and is a huge hitter. Really doesn't have a discernible weakness and has the kind of all around game that should allow him to see the field as a true freshman."

Now with 15 members, the 2025 USC recruiting class sits at No. 19 nationally and No. 6 in the Big Ten. Perlotte is the third-highest rated recruit committed to USC in the current class.

Interestingly, he's not the highest-rated linebacker in the class though. That distinction goes to Matai Tagoa'i from San Clemente who is also a 4-star prospect.

This is the third 2025 recruit that Riley and Co. have landed in the month of July. What's more, the program has added two commits in the class of 2026 this month as well. That's how to make the most of the summer recruiting cycle.