Trojans Secure Commitment From Top LB in 2025 Cycle

© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

On Sept. 8, consensus four-star prospect Ty Jackson committed to the No. 11 USC Trojans (2-0). Rated by ESPN and On3 as the nation's No. 1 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting cycle, Jackson hails from Loxahatchee, Fla. USC assistant coaches Matt Entz and Eric Henderson were primarily responsible for Jackson's recruitment.

Jackson chose USC over Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Penn State, Tennessee and other premier collegiate programs.

Jackson's Scouting Report

Jackson is 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds. 247Sports describes him as "[a] tackle machine on Friday nights...." Before his senior season at the prep level, he accumulated over 350 tackles. Not only does he excel in defending against the run game, but he has proven effective in drop coverage.

Remarkably, as a high school freshman, Jackson tallied 106 tackles, 2 quarterback sacks and 1 interception. He followed that up with a sophomore campaign in which he made 137 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and another interception. In 2023—his junior season–he played on both sides of the ball and special teams. On defense, he made 135 tackles, forced 4 fumbles, recorded 2 QB sacks and grabbed 2 interceptions. On offense, he caught 15 passes for 257 yards and 5 TDs. On special teams, he returned 2 kickoffs for TDs.

Jackson projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level and an eventual early-round NFL draft pick. During his senior year, he might earn a fifth star.

© GREG LOVETT/THE PALM BEACH POST/USA TODAY NETWORK

Trojans 2025 Recruiting Class

Rivals and 247Sports rate USC's 2025 recruiting class as the 13th strongest in the country. With the addition of Jackson, the Trojans' 2025 class now features three four-star LBs, including Matai Tagoa'i and Jadon Perlotte. (Perlotte is regarded as a hybrid safety/LB.)

The Trojans have received a recent shot in the arm on the recruiting trail as a result of the excellent beginning of their 2024 season.

The Trojans' 2025 class is currently headlined by Julian 'Juju" Lewis, rated by ESPN as the No. 2 overall prospect in the cycle. Lewis has already inked a $1.1 million NIL deal.

The value of Jackson's NIL deal has not yet been disclosed.