Detailed view of a Southern California Trojans helmet. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Four-star offensive tackle decommits from USC

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 7/28/23

Manasse Itete, a four-star offensive tackle from Modesto, California, hadn't been committed to Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans for long.

He made his commitment to USC in early June of 2023, just two days after an official visit to Southern California's campus. Less than two months later, Itete has announced that he'll no longer be a Trojan.

“I want to thank and express my gratitude to the whole USC Football staff and coaches for everything done for my family and I,” Itete tweeted. “I’m very grateful for coach Lincoln Riley, coach Henson, coach Zach and while [sic] staff for believing and providing me with an opportunity to play football at the next level. After much consideration with my family, I have decided to DECommit from USC.

Please Respect my decision @BrandonHuffman @GregBiggins @ChadSimmons_ @Hayesfawcett3 @adamgorney @PrepRedzone @PrepRedzoneCA @247Sports @On3sports @On3Recruits @ESPNU pic.twitter.com/f75IwkGZ8Y
— MANASSE ITETE 4⭐️ (@manasse_itete) July 28, 2023

Itete went on to say that it was a difficult choice for him to make, and he went as far as apologizing "for the inconvenience and disappointment."

It doesn't sound like he just re-opened his recruitment for the entirety of the college football nation, though, because at the end of his message, he did say that he's planning on making another commitment immediately -- as soon as this Saturday.

As to where he'll end up?

Florida State fans immediately started commenting on his decommitment Tweet and several predictions on the 247Sports Crystal Ball -- which recruiting experts use to predict commitments -- went FSU's way.

In fact, there's now a unanimous prediction that Itete will end up in Tallahassee and announce that commitment as soon as Saturday, and Chris Nee of 247Sports reported a few interesting tidbits. First, FSU was considered the favorite to land Itete before he committed to USC. Perhaps most important, though, is the fact that the four-star reportedly has a strong connection with Seminoles offensive line coach Alex Atkins.

All indications suggest that Itete will soon be a Seminole, and he will undoubtedly be a big commitment for head coach Mike Norvell. At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, he is ranked as the No. 12 offensive tackle recruit in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports.

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