Can Alabama benefit from USC recruiting losses?

USC got out to a hot start in the 2025 recruiting cycle, but few believed that the class would hold firm. The class was headlined by 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis and two 5-star defensive linemen in Justus Terry and Isaiah Gibson, all three of whom hail from the state of Georgia. Could Lincoln Riley really stave off the SEC and hold onto these prized recruits until December? As it turns out, no, at least on the part of Terry and Gibson.

Both 5-star defensive linemen de-committed from the Trojans this week, effectively re-opening their recruitments. Of course, Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs will be a major factor. Georgia is the in-state school for these two, and has excelled at developing defensive linemen. 

However, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama also appear to be in the mix for at least one of these standouts. Upon announcing his decommitment, Justus Terry also declared that he will be visiting Tuscaloosa this weekend. The Manchester, Georgia native is one of the most versatile and college-ready defensive linemen in this class. He possesses a rare blend of strength, length, power, and athleticism, and would probably be ready to get reps as a true freshman. 

Terry is considered the 12th-best player in the country by 247Sports and the 10th-best by On3. Both sites’ industry rankings have him as the no. 7 player in the nation. 

With Nick Saban at the controls, Bama always got its share of talent out of the state of Georgia. Just two cycles ago, Alabama nabbed two of the best players in the Peach State in Caleb Downs and Justice Haynes. Kalen DeBoer will attempt to keep this pipeline strong, and has already landed a trio of Georgia-bred linebackers in Duke Johnson, Jaedon Harmon, and Luke Metz. 

DeBoer and company will certainly have to work to earn Terry’s commitment, but getting the early visit could be a good sign.