Notre Dame Star WR Beaux Collins Decommits from Irish, Commits to USC in Major Recruiting Shift
In a surprising turn of events, highly touted wide receiver Beaux Collins has decommitted from Notre Dame and announced his commitment to the University of Southern California (USC). Collins, a four-star recruit and one of the top wide receivers in his class, was expected to play a pivotal role in the Irish’s offense and brought significant excitement to Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class. However, after weeks of speculation, Collins confirmed his decision to join USC, citing both personal reasons and his vision for his college career.
Beaux Collins originally committed to Notre Dame due to the program’s rich history, strong academic reputation, and offensive system under head coach Marcus Freeman. A product of St. John Bosco High School in California, Collins is known for his explosiveness, speed, and playmaking ability. He quickly became a fan favorite in recruiting circles for his potential to elevate the Irish passing game. His decommitment represents a substantial shift in recruiting momentum for Notre Dame, which has recently secured other top talents across various positions.
Collins’s decision to choose USC brings an added edge to the rivalry between the Fighting Irish and the Trojans. USC head coach Lincoln Riley, known for his high-powered offense, reportedly played a significant role in Collins’s decision to reconsider his options. Collins expressed admiration for USC’s recent recruiting efforts and offensive system, which has produced numerous NFL-ready wide receivers in recent years. “After careful thought and consideration, I’ve decided to continue my journey at USC,” Collins shared in a statement. “The system, coaching, and the chance to play close to home are factors I’m excited about.”
For USC, landing a wide receiver of Collins’s caliber is a significant boost. As the Trojans continue to shape their roster with young, talented players, Collins is expected to be an immediate contributor, potentially impacting the program’s push for national prominence in the competitive Pac-12 and beyond. His presence will likely complement the skill set of current and future USC quarterbacks, providing a versatile, speedy weapon on the outside. His ability to stretch the field and create separation makes him a natural fit for USC’s dynamic passing offense.
While Notre Dame loses a key prospect, the Irish coaching staff remains focused on maintaining a strong recruiting class, with several other top talents still committed. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have been noted for their resilience and recruiting prowess, and they are expected to continue seeking wide receiver talent to bolster the class. Although Collins’s departure is a setback, Notre Dame remains an attractive destination for high-level talent across the country.
The decommitment of Beaux Collins is a reminder of the shifting nature of college football recruiting, where players are influenced by multiple factors ranging from offensive schemes to location and family considerations. As both USC and Notre Dame continue to build their programs, Collins’s decision adds a new layer to their rivalry, setting up potential showdowns on the field in future seasons.
For fans of both programs, Collins’s commitment shift to USC will bring extra anticipation to future matchups between Notre Dame and the Trojans. As both teams look to solidify their places among college football’s elite, Collins’s choice exemplifies the fierce competition for top talent and the ever-evolving landscape of NCAA football recruiting.
