USC Trojans To Land Elite Linebacker AJ Tuitele Over Texas Longhorns?

The USC Trojans are looking to land another 2025 recruit following an official visit from linebacker AJ Tuitele. USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are predicted to land the recruit, but the Texas Longhorns and coach Steve Sarkisian are making a push.

The USC Trojans could land another class of 2025 recruit soon. USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are trending in the right direction to land three-star linebacker AJ Tuitele.

Tuitele was originally committed to the Washington State Cougars, but that path changed when Washington State named a new head coach and Tuitele was released from his commitment. Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Tuitele is the No. 133 linebacker and the No. 9 player from Nevada. The USC Trojans are currently the frontrunners to land the linebacker, though the Texas Longhorns are also making a push.

On3’s Steve Wiltfong made the prediction for Tuitele to land with Riley and the Trojans, but notes Texas’ push for the linebacker’s commitment.

“The last hurdle is Texas. The Longhorns recently offered so we’ll see if the Burnt Orange can change the pulse,” Wiltfong wrote. “But in the meantime I like USC and that’s where my prediction lies.”

In Tuitele’s senior season, he registered 167 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in just 13 games. The linebacker had an official visit with the Trojans on Jan. 16. Texas made Tuitele an offer on Jan. 21.

The Texas Longhorns hosted numerous targets on Jan. 25 for Texas Junior Day. Among the visitors was Tuitele taking an official visit.

“The biggest thing to me is a family environment, but when I came here I felt nothing but love and a welcoming staff,” Tuitele told 247Sports. “They made me feel extremely comfortable. It was like I’ve known them my whole life.”

The process of USC bringing Tuitele in for a visit moved quickly. Once the linebacker was no longer committed to Washington State, the Trojans jumped right in and got him on campus quickly.

“The relationship between me and the staff just started, but I can tell we’re going to become very close as we enter the 2025 season,” Tuitele said. “They see me playing everywhere, from in the box to the line of scrimmage. This right here was the best visit I’ve ever had.”