USC Trojans commit Ty Jackson to Florida Gators, potential cheat?

As the 2024 college football season closes and the early signing period approaches, the transition season begins. The USC Trojans have been the victim of losing players, but have also made major changes in their recruiting process. Just recently, USC linebacker Ty Jackson visited the Florida Gators, and there’s a chance he’ll change.

Jackson is a four-star linebacker in the 2025 class from Loxahatchee, Florida. He committed to USC on Sept. 9, but he’s in Gainesville on Saturday for the Florida Gators’ matchup with the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels. Jackson is ranked as the No. 135 player in the country, the No. 15 linebacker and the No. 20 player in Florida, according to On3.

This isn’t Jackson’s first visit to Gainesville, as the Florida native showed interest in the Gators before transferring to USC. Jackson’s father spoke to On3 about the visit, downplaying its significance.

“Just checking the game,” Jackson’s father said.

The Gators are having a rough 5-5 season but are coming off a big win over the LSU Tigers. While Jackson’s father may be downplaying the issue, the Florida Gators are pushing to cancel their deal with USC.

Jackson is one of three linebackers committed to the Trojans in the 2025 class. The other two are four-stars Matai Tagoai and Jadon Perlott. The Trojans are also pushing for four-star linebacker Madden Faraimo. USC coach Lincoln Riley and linebackers coach Matt Entz have stepped up their recruiting for the position, but will now have to work on retaining their starters.

Jackson committed to USC on Sept. 9 after a great visit with the Trojans after they beat the Utah Aggies. Defensive line coach Eric Henderson was Jackson’s main point of contact throughout this process and insisted that he visit the Trojans. Ahead of the September visit, Jackson spoke with On3 about Henderson’s recruitment.

“He’s very positive and genuine and really honest,” Jackson said of Henderson. “And that’s why I like the way he keeps it real. They see me as Will’s advocate for them.”

Jackson also spoke about the importance of visiting the school and seeing it in person.

“I’m just really excited to see what it’s all about because I talk to coach a lot and we have a really good relationship,” Jackson said. “He said it would make me feel better to see it in person. The first impression will be very important.”

After the visit, Jackson’s father spoke with On3 about why the four-star linebacker liked USC and the chance to play for D’Anton Lynn’s defense.

“He got along with the staff, the education was top-notch, and this place felt like home to Ty,” Jackson’s father said. “It felt like Los Angeles.”

On3 has the 2025 USC Trojans ranked No. 12 in the country and No. 4 in the Big Ten. Although Jackson has visited Florida before, his return visit could be a cause for concern for the Trojans.

Florida will face the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels, and if the Gators get over the hump and Jackson has a good visit, there’s a chance the four-star recruit could turn around. The USC Trojans will have to do whatever it takes to retain one of the top linebackers in the 2025 class.