In the late stages of recruiting, where coaches scramble like chess grandmasters searching for that one brilliant move, things can get messy—and exciting. With national signing day in the rearview mirror, most programs are focused on polishing their 2025 rosters for the spring. But for USC’s Lincoln Riley and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, the game is far from over. Both programs find themselves in a high-stakes tug-of-war for this former three-star Washington State linebacker commit who could shore up a vital position for years to come.

USC, coming off a class ranked 14th nationally according to On3, has already secured the crown jewel of their 2025 cycle: 5-star QB Husan Longstreet. However, with the Trojans’ defense often resembling a sieve in recent seasons, adding a high-motor linebacker has become a top priority. Meanwhile, Texas is in a similar boat, with a mostly locked-in recruiting class that failed to completely satisfy the Longhorns’ greed for linebackers. They could have had four if Kellen Wiley hadn’t gone to his native Miami. Now stopped on two promising prospects in Elijah Barnes and Jonathan Cunningham, Texas’ LB coach Johnny Nansen has their sights set on at least one more player to fill a critical gap in their defensive depth chart.

Enter AJ Tuitele, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker from North Las Vegas (NV) Mojave High School. A former three-star commit to Washington State, Tuitele suddenly found himself back on the market when Cougars head coach Jake Dickert left for Wake Forest, which drew attention from programs eager to pounce on an overlooked talent. And pounce they did. USC, always prowling for elite West Coast prospects, invited Tuitele for an official visit last weekend. Per Steve Wiltfong On3’s RPM, Lincoln Riley appears to have the edge. But don’t count out Sark and Texas just yet.

Texas, though late to the party with their offer, is making a compelling case for Tuitele. With Nansen in hot pursuit, the Longhorns quickly identified Tuitele as a player who could bring both physicality and leadership to their defensive front. The urgency is real—Texas was burned in December when a potential third linebacker. One they’re now desperate to fill. Sark’s late offer to Tuitele isn’t just a gamble; it’s the Longhorns’ Hail Mary pass to stay competitive in the ever-cutthroat SEC.

Lincoln Riley and the Trojans, however, might not make this an easy victory for the Longhorns. Tuitele’s recent visit to Los Angeles was nothing short of impressive, with the Trojans rolling out the red carpet. As a defensive prospect, Tuitele is an intriguing package—long, lean, and quick off the snap. What makes this battle particularly fascinating is how contrasting the two programs are in their recruiting philosophies.

For the 6-foot-3 and 205 LB, it’s the chance to stay closer to home and play for a struggling USC program and join 5-star stalwart DL Jahkeem Stewart, but so is the allure of playing in college football’s most high-profile conference and probably another CFP run next season for a Texas team on the rise. As the clock ticks down, the decision now rests with Tuitele, a player who may not carry a five-star label but whose potential to impact a program is undeniable.

Sark’s latest target had fun with Lincoln Riley and USC on his visit

It was a weekend of wins for everyone involved. AJ Tuitele, a defensive dynamo from Mojave High School, wrapped up his high school career with jaw-dropping numbers. As a senior, he racked up 167 tackles over 13 games, showcasing his unmatched ability to dominate on defense. The 51st-ranked per On3 in his class also flexed his versatility by rushing for four touchdowns on offense; his grit and leadership helped Mojave to an incredible 12-1 record and a Nevada 4A State Championship title.

During his visit to Riley and the Trojans base, Tuitele felt right at home. “The biggest thing for me is family,” he told 247Sports. “From the moment I got here, it was all love and nothing but good vibes.” A special shoutout went to assistant director of player personnel Aaron “Dogg” Amaama, who made him feel comfortable just being himself.