With a rejuvenated coaching staff, head coach Lincoln Riley has significantly improved his recruiting efforts compared to last year. The Trojans have focused heavily on defense, with five of their top six recruits slated to bolster the defensive lineup.
Despite their impressive defensive haul, most of USC’s 2025 commitments are either defensive linemen or secondary players. Recognizing the importance of versatile off-ball linebackers, Riley and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn have made a strategic push to land one of the nation’s premier off-ball linebackers.
As reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3.com, McKinney High School (TX) linebacker Riley Pettijohn has listed USC, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and the Texas Longhorns as his four final choices.
Riley Pettijohn, the son of former All-American defensive lineman Duke Pettijohn, began his high school career as a safety before transitioning to linebacker in 2022. This switch garnered significant attention from college scouts, resulting in over 30 scholarship offers.
“An athletic defender who excels on all three downs, Pettijohn has been the cornerstone of McKinney’s defense since moving to inside linebacker in his junior year. Standing around 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Pettijohn is expected to bulk up to 230 pounds in college. His quick instincts, gap-shooting ability, and exceptional open-field tackling make him a standout. His background as a safety also enhances his coverage skills. Pettijohn’s testing numbers suggest a high developmental ceiling, complemented by his strong pedigree as the son of a former two-time All-Big East defensive lineman.”
Recognized as one of the nation’s best at his position, Pettijohn is a consensus top-60 prospect in the 2025 class. On3 Sports rates him 94 overall, placing him 42nd nationally and second among linebackers.
Riley Pettijohn’s 2023-24 stats (MaxPreps): 86 solo tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 pass deflections, and 1 interception.
Rivals.com ranks Pettijohn as the top linebacker and the 33rd-best player in the 2025 class, while 247 Sports lists him as the 58th-best player.
The addition of Pettijohn would be a significant coup for the Trojans, further solidifying their already formidable 2025 recruiting class.
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