Could USC steal Ohio State commit Jontae Gilbert?

Can USC pull off a #B1G surprise?

USC cornerbacks coach Donte Williams has a reputation for being a great recruiter. One reason for that is Williams’ ability to evaluate young talent.

Five-star class of 2025 safety/cornerback Jontae Gilbert — from Douglass High School in Atlanta — is committed to Ohio State. However, one can expect USC, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama to be in the mix for the Georgia native.

Gilbert is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound player who is ranked the No. 22 prospect nationally in the 247Sports.com composite. He’s the No. 2-rated safety prospect, per 247Sports.

The On3 industry ranking, which uses a weighted average of all four services, puts Gilbert at No. 34 overall and No. 3 among safeties in the class.

Gilbert committed to Ohio State in July 2022 with an open recruitment. The 2025 prospect plans to end his recruitment in May of 2024.

USC, as it moves to the Big Ten, will find itself in situations where a victory in a recruiting battle with Ohio State might be less valuable for the win itself, and more crucial because it will deny the Buckeyes the extra puzzle piece which could make a difference for coach Ryan Day’s team.

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