Isaiah Gibson decommits from USC; 5-star edge-rusher considering Georgia

Warner Robins (Georgia) five-star edge-rusher Isaiah Gibson is strongly believed to be leaning toward a future in his home state

Isaiah Gibson on a visit to Georgia / Courtesy of Isaiah Gibson

During his college football coaching career USC's Lincoln Riley has built a reputation as an offensive genius and builder of Heisman Trophy quarterbacks. But his program's Achilles' heel has come on the defensive side of the ball, where Riley has left much to be desired.

Hoping to change that narrative - and on-field reailty - Riley and his coaching staff have heavily pursued top-end defensive talent in the class of 2025.

That effort hit a significant snag Tuesday, however, as Warner Robins (Georgia) five-star edge-rusher Isaiah Gibson announced his decommitment from the Trojans.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defender first committed to USC in March, but there were early signs of a potential separation.

Rated the nation's No. 1 edge-rusher, Gibson remained a heavily-recruited prospect nationwide and set several visits.

However, a USC official visit date never materialized, despite a busy scheduled that featured trips to Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Since his initial surprising spring pledge, the in-state Georgia Bulldogs have emerged as a potential team to beat, and likely favorite, stemming from his relationship with a potential future mentor.

"I mostly got to talk to coach Uzo-Diribe," Gibson told SI. "So we always have good conversations. I mean, like we are like brothers. We talk about llke every other day. We have a good relationship. So yeah, I've talked to him mostly outside of Coach Schumann."

As a junior, Gibson racked up an astouding 55 pressures and 17 sacks, solidifying himself as one of the most diruptive pass-rushers in America.

Here's what 247Sports had to say about him as a prospect:

"Long-limbed pass rusher that can close on quarterbacks. On the lighter side at this stage and lacks requisite play strength, but owns favorable features with a 7-foot wingspan and 10-inch hands on a frame that’s pushing 6-foot-4. Seems to be at his best when asked to attack the corner out of a two-point stance as he will cross offensive tackles and dart inside or outside. Active with the hands and will do his best to fight through blocks or hold up traffic. Rather quick-footed and has flashed the ability to work laterally, but improved flexibility will only allow him to change course much easier. Must also keep tinkering with his technique and add some more advanced moves to the menu if he wants to emerge as a true impact player up front. Should be viewed as a high-ceiling defender that could fit a variety of different roles given growth potential and gap-closing burst. Likely going to need a developmental year or two before he’s ready to go on Saturdays, but could work his way into the rotation relatively early and help generate pressure in obvious passing situations."