One of the Nation's Best Safeties Flips Commitment to USC

© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Consensus four-star safety Kendarius Reddick flipped his commitment from the UCF Knights to the USC Trojans. ESPN rates Reddick as the nation's No. 7 safety in the 2025 recruiting cycle. New Trojans defensive backs coach Doug Belk was the primary recruiter of Reddick.

As one of the nation's most coveted safeties in the 2025 cycle, Reddick received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee and many other top programs.

Kendarius Reddick

A 6-foot, 185-pound athlete from Thomasville, Ga., Reddick plays on both sides of the ball in high school. In the words of 247Sports, he is a "versatile" athlete who "plays fast and with plenty of confidence." In 27 varsity games, he has played free safety, strong safety, wide receiver and kick returner. During his sophomore year, he made 58 tackles and 1 interception. As a junior, he racked up 63 tackles, including 4 tackles for loss, and he grabbed 4 interceptions.

He is a "physical defender" who "shines near the line of scrimmage as a nickel" defender. He has demonstrated the ability to "make an impact in run support." He "[t]racks the football well and ... get[s] airborne to make ... play[s] at the catch point." He projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level with all-conference potential. 

USC: Strengthening the Defense

Reddick's commitment bumps USC's 2025 recruiting class rating up to No. 16 in the country and No. 4 in the Big Ten Conference per On3's industry comparison. Reddick is the third four-star defensive back in the Trojans' 2025 class, joining cornerbacks Trestin Castro and Shamar Arnoux. Additionally, his commitment highlights that the Trojans are making recruiting inroads into Southeastern Conference territory, as he is the third recent pledge out of the Southeast, joining four-star Georgia linebacker Jadon Perlotte and four-star Alabama offensive tackle Carde Smith. 

USC's defense was a weak point in 2022 and 2023. Hence, coach Lincoln Riley revamped the Trojans' defensive coaching staff and has focused on defense—on the recruiting trail and in the Transfer Portal.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the USC Trojans and other exciting college football news.