In the ever-shifting landscape of college football recruiting, no commitment is truly final until pen meets paper on National Signing Day. The 2025 recruiting cycle has been filled with twists, but few stories have captured the attention of the recruiting world quite like the recent decommitment of four-star linebacker Jaylen Thompson from the USC Trojans. Now, all eyes are on one program that’s surging in momentum and emerging as the frontrunner: the Texas Longhorns.
Sources close to Thompson’s camp suggest the Longhorns are not only in play — they might be the biggest threat to flip the talented linebacker’s commitment in the wake of his split from USC. With Steve Sarkisian building an SEC-ready juggernaut in Austin, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a high-profile defensive addition. Let’s break down why Texas is surging in this recruitment, what led to Thompson’s decommitment from USC, and what this potential flip could mean for the Longhorns’ defensive future.
A 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker out of St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA), Jaylen Thompson has long been regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country. Ranked as a Top-100 overall player and a Top-10 linebacker in the 2025 class by most recruiting services, Thompson has been praised for his sideline-to-sideline speed, football IQ, and relentless motor.
Thompson was a linchpin in the Bosco defense that dominated high school competition, leading the team in tackles and quarterback hurries during his junior season. With offers from schools such as Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, Thompson initially stunned many by pledging to USC early in the cycle, buying into Lincoln Riley’s pitch of being the cornerstone of a defensive turnaround.
But after months of uncertainty and whispers of dissatisfaction behind the scenes, the decommitment finally came in May, opening the door for other powerhouse programs to re-engage. And none have done so with the intensity and organization of Texas.
To understand why Texas has emerged so quickly, one must first understand the unraveling of the USC relationship. While Thompson’s decommitment statement on social media was predictably respectful and non-controversial — thanking the coaching staff and fans — the behind-the-scenes tension had been brewing for months.
Coaching Instability and Defensive Concerns
A key reason Thompson committed to USC in the first place was his connection with former linebackers coach Brian Odom and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. But with Grinch fired after a string of underwhelming performances and defensive implosions in 2024, and Odom reportedly entertaining NFL interest, Thompson’s comfort level eroded.
USC’s struggles on defense were no secret — surrendering big plays, inconsistent tackling, and an identity crisis on that side of the ball. Thompson, a cerebral player who thrives in structured schemes, reportedly grew frustrated with the lack of clarity in how he would be used in USC’s evolving system.
SEC Ambitions
Another factor? The SEC. Thompson has privately expressed a desire to play in what he views as the most competitive and NFL-like environment in college football. With USC preparing for life in the Big Ten, Thompson’s preferences seem to be shifting further east — and that opens the door wide for Texas.
There are multiple reasons why the Longhorns have surged to the front of the pack.
1. Steve Sarkisian’s Defensive Vision
Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and co-defensive coordinator Jeff Choate have put together one of the most physical, disciplined defenses in the country over the past two seasons. With Texas now officially in the SEC, the Longhorns are prioritizing players who can thrive against the run-heavy, power-driven offenses of the conference.
Thompson fits that mold perfectly. Sources close to the program indicate that Texas has pitched Thompson on being a hybrid linebacker in the DeMarvion Overshown role — someone who can rush the passer, cover in space, and lead from the middle.
Sarkisian himself has made Thompson a top priority, personally speaking with him multiple times and emphasizing the program’s NFL development pipeline and SEC readiness.
2. NIL and Infrastructure
Texas has become a recruiting titan not just because of on-field success but because of what surrounds the program. From top-tier facilities and player development resources to robust NIL backing, the Longhorns have everything a top-tier recruit is looking for in the new era of college football.
The Longhorns’ collective, anchored by heavy-hitting boosters, has built strong, sustainable NIL opportunities — something that reportedly appeals to Thompson’s family. While NIL was not the central reason for his USC decommitment, it’s become a factor in this next phase of decision-making.
3. Momentum and Class Fit
Texas’ 2025 class is already shaping up to be one of the best in the country. With elite defensive talent like five-star EDGE Tyrese Dubose, four-star safety Malik Jenkins, and interior DL Elijah Green, Thompson would be joining a loaded unit with serious national title aspirations.
The relationships he has with several Texas commits — many of whom he’s played with on 7v7 circuits or met at camps — are reportedly strong. Insiders say Thompson has been in group chats with Texas pledges for weeks, even before his USC decision was public.
Though Texas is the current frontrunner, they are not alone in pursuit. Here are the other contenders to keep an eye on:
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Never count out Kirby Smart when it comes to elite defensive players. Georgia made a push after Thompson’s USC decommitment, and their recent success at putting linebackers in the NFL is well-documented. However, Thompson has not yet scheduled an official visit to Athens.
2. Oregon Ducks
Thompson has long had a connection to Oregon’s staff, particularly head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks offer proximity to home and a chance to be a centerpiece of a defense that continues to improve under Lanning. They remain in the picture but are trailing Texas in overall momentum.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Even in a post-Nick Saban era, Alabama still carries weight. Defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson has reconnected with Thompson’s camp, and an official visit could change the dynamics. But as of now, Alabama appears to be a dark horse.
Thompson has said publicly that he will take his time with the process and make a final decision “sometime before the season starts.” That likely places his commitment timeline in late July or early August.
Key Dates to Watch:
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June 14-16: Official Visit to Texas
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June 21-23: Potential visit to Oregon
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July (TBD): Final round of unofficials before narrowing decision
Insiders believe that if Texas knocks the visit out of the park — and all indications suggest they will — a commitment could come shortly afterward.
Should Texas secure Thompson’s commitment, it would be another massive win in the trenches for a program that has rebranded itself as physical and defense-first entering SEC play. Landing a Top-100 linebacker with West Coast pedigree would also signal national reach and recruiting dominance.
Possible Impact on 2025 Class Ranking
With Thompson’s commitment, Texas could rise into the Top 3 nationally in the 2025 recruiting rankings, further strengthening their hold as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender in the SEC.
Scheme Fit
Thompson’s versatility makes him a candidate to play early. He could factor into the linebacker rotation by Year 1 and potentially take over starting duties by Year 2, especially if current star Anthony Hill Jr. enters the NFL Draft in 2026.
In the high-stakes, high-drama world of college football recruiting, few stories encapsulate the modern landscape better than Jaylen Thompson’s journey. From an early commitment to USC to an abrupt decommitment, and now, a courtship by one of the sport’s emerging powerhouses, it’s a reminder that elite talent always has options — and momentum can change overnight.
But as things stand, Texas is in the driver’s seat. With a visit scheduled, relationships flourishing, and a clear vision for how he fits, all signs point to Austin as the most likely next stop for one of the nation’s premier linebacker talents.
If they pull it off, expect national headlines — and expect Texas to keep building one of the SEC’s most formidable defenses.
