The USC Trojans are reeling from another significant recruiting loss as four-star cornerback Shamar Arnoux has flipped his commitment to the Auburn Tigers. This blow comes just a day after four-star edge rusher Hayden Lowe decommitted from USC to join the Miami Hurricanes.
Arnoux’s decision further highlights the challenges facing the Trojans’ 2025 recruiting efforts, which appear to be unraveling rapidly. Ranked as the No. 35 cornerback nationally and the No. 49 overall player in Georgia by 247Sports, Arnoux had initially committed to USC in June over other programs like Florida State and Auburn.
Despite his verbal commitment, Arnoux maintained contact with Auburn, a connection that ultimately led to his flip. Auburn, which recently lost cornerback commit Dante Core to Ole Miss, intensified its pursuit of Arnoux to fill the gap in its recruiting class.
Playing Time and Program Appeal
One of the primary reasons for Arnoux’s decision to join Auburn was the opportunity for immediate playing time. The Tigers’ depth chart at cornerback played a pivotal role in his choice.
“What separates Auburn from other schools is the depth chart and the roster because there is an opportunity to play there,” Arnoux told On3. “They have expectations of me playing early there.”
Arnoux also expressed excitement about contributing to Auburn’s resurgence, citing the program’s potential to contend in the SEC with the right pieces in place.
“I’m the type of person that wants to be a part of something special,” Arnoux added. “If you look at the structure of Auburn’s program, it’s just a quarterback away from being a contender in the SEC. The defense is already strong, and I want to be part of it.”
USC’s Recruiting Woes
Arnoux’s flip underscores a broader issue for USC, which is struggling to hold onto its top recruits as National Signing Day approaches. With Hayden Lowe gone and rumors swirling about quarterback Julian Lewis possibly leaning toward Georgia, the Trojans’ class of 2025 ranking—currently No. 14 nationally and No. 4 in the Big Ten, per On3—could slide further.
The timing couldn’t be worse for head coach Lincoln Riley, whose team is also underperforming on the field with a 4-5 record heading into a homecoming matchup against Nebraska on Nov. 16.
Auburn’s Growing Momentum
For Auburn, landing Arnoux represents a significant win, especially as the program looks to bolster its defensive talent under head coach Hugh Freeze. The Tigers’ recruiting class has gained momentum, with Arnoux becoming a key piece in a group that aims to elevate Auburn’s competitiveness in the SEC.
The Tigers’ ability to secure Arnoux highlights their strong recruiting strategy, emphasizing not only immediate opportunities but also a vision of long-term success.
What’s Next
With just weeks until National Signing Day, both programs face critical junctures. Auburn will look to solidify its commitments and potentially attract additional late flips. Meanwhile, USC must scramble to retain its remaining prospects and repair a recruiting cycle that appears to be slipping out of control.
On the field, USC hopes to turn things around against Nebraska, while Auburn prepares to face SEC competition with a renewed sense of optimism fueled by recent recruiting victories.
