Why USC Trojans 5-Star Recruit RJ Sermons Reclassified To 2025

“I am extremely excited and ready to get to work with the Trojan family,” Sermons told On3.

He said the decision was motivated by the chance to develop under USC’s coaching staff and begin learning at the college level.

“It’s time to take the next step on my journey and continue to chase greatness,” he said.

The move also continues a family legacy. Sermons’ father, Rodney, once played for USC. Now the younger Sermons is eager to follow that path and make his own mark.

Sermons is one of the fastest recruits in the country. He clocked a 10.36-second 100-meter dash earlier this year. That speed, along with his physicality and instincts, gives him a real chance to compete for early playing time.

He plans to arrive on campus in July and will participate in summer workouts and fall camp. With his addition, USC’s 2025 class gets even stronger. Sermons was once the headliner of USC’s 2026 class. Now, after reclassifying, he’s part of a 2025 group that continues to rise in national rankings.

USC’s 2025 class was ranked No. 15 nationally by On3 before Sermons’ reclassification. His enrollment gives the Trojans another elite player who could contribute immediately, bolstering a roster that aims to compete for Big Ten and national titles.

The Trojans continue to build momentum in recruiting, with the 2026 class ranked No. 1 nationally by 247Sports with 27 commits so far. USC general manager Chad Bowden promised a record-setting haul upon his hiring, and the program appears on track to deliver on that promise.

While USC’s 2026 class features a strong defensive back group, including five cornerbacks committed, there remains interest in adding a top-tier safety like five-star Jett Washington of Las Vegas to maintain balance in the secondary.

As USC bolsters both current and future classes, the early arrival of a player of Sermons’ caliber signals the program’s aggressive approach to building a championship roster under Riley.