Four-star EDGE throws shade at Lincoln Riley, USC after flipping to Miami

Hayden Lowe had been committed to the USC Trojans since June of 2024, so that was a commitment that was coming up on six months. That's not a long time in general, but in today's college football recruiting environment, that is a long commitment.

Unfortunately for the Trojans, that commitment isn't going to stick. Lowe, a four-star EDGE from Westlake Village, California has decided that he wants to travel far from home to play college football for Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes.

One has to wonder if Miami's No. 9 ranking and 9-1 record in 2024 compared to USC's 4-5 mark played into Lowe's flip, but there's something about leaving California that appeals to him.

“I’ve been really weighing out the pros and cons of me staying home or going away. Everybody says if you go away, it’s character development. It will help me grow up faster, become the man I want to become," Lowe told On3 regarding his decision. "I feel like I go over to U-Miami, my development. . .  there’s no ceiling for my development to go anywhere."

Lowe also threw some shade at USC head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff, questioning their commitment to him as a recruit.

“I feel like Miami has given me unwavering love since the start of my recruiting process. You know, since the start, USC hasn’t really given me all-in — I haven’t really been their No. 1 guy from the start," Lowe explained. "I became their No. 1 guy when other recruits decommitted, With U-Miami, I’ve been their No. 1 guy since the start. They love me. You’ve got to go where you’re wanted. I feel like I’m more wanted in Miami than LA."

That's an indictment against Riley and the Trojans, but it speaks clearly about the contending program Cristobal has built in Miami.

This is a big commitment for the Hurricanes because they're getting a star recruit. According to 247Sports, Lowe is the No. 3 EDGE in the 2025 class.