Can the USC Trojans Secure Four-Star Dylan Berymon Over Texas and LSU?
The recruitment of four-star defensive lineman Dylan Berymon has become one of the most intriguing storylines in college football. The elite prospect from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, Louisiana, has received significant attention from top programs nationwide. While the Texas Longhorns and LSU Tigers have been leading contenders for his commitment, the USC Trojans have emerged as a legitimate threat in this recruitment battle. Can Lincoln Riley and the Trojans overcome the regional advantage of Texas and LSU to land Berymon? Let’s examine the factors that will play a role in his decision.
Who is Dylan Berymon?
Berymon is a dominant defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 275 pounds. He has showcased impressive athleticism, combining strength and explosiveness to become a game-changing player. His ability to disrupt offenses and provide versatility on the defensive front makes him one of the most sought-after recruits in his class.
During his sophomore season, Berymon demonstrated his ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run, accumulating impressive stats that solidified his status as an elite prospect. In addition to football, he has also excelled in track and field, recording a 46-foot-5 shot put and a 114-foot discus throw. This demonstrates his lower-body explosiveness and ability to generate power—qualities that will translate well at the collegiate level.
USC’s Recruitment Strategy
The Lincoln Riley Effect
USC has been aggressive in its recruitment under head coach Lincoln Riley, particularly in targeting top defensive prospects. Riley, known for his offensive prowess, has made a concerted effort to bolster USC’s defense to compete at a championship level. This includes hiring top defensive staff and aggressively pursuing elite defensive recruits like Berymon.
Eric Henderson’s Influence
A key factor in USC’s pursuit of Berymon is defensive line coach Eric Henderson. A Louisiana native, Henderson understands the football culture of the region and has a track record of developing elite defensive linemen. His ability to connect with recruits from Louisiana, including Berymon, gives USC a legitimate chance to sway the four-star talent.
Campus Visits and Relationship Building
Berymon has visited USC multiple times, including unofficial visits on October 11 and November 15, 2024. These visits allowed him to engage with the coaching staff, familiarize himself with the program, and envision himself in a Trojans uniform. He has spoken highly of USC’s coaching staff and the direction of the program, which could be a key indicator of genuine interest.
The Texas Longhorns Factor
A Rising Power in College Football
Under Steve Sarkisian, Texas has made significant strides in re-establishing itself as a national powerhouse. The Longhorns’ recent appearance in the College Football Playoff and continued recruiting dominance have placed them in a strong position for Berymon.
Elite Camp and Game Visits
Berymon attended Texas’ Elite Camp in June 2024, which resulted in an offer from the Longhorns. Additionally, he was in attendance for Texas’ dominant 35-13 victory over Mississippi State on September 28, 2024. Seeing the Longhorns play at a high level in a competitive environment likely strengthened Texas’ case as a top choice for him.
Defensive Line Development at Texas
Texas has a history of producing high-level defensive linemen, with recent recruiting classes emphasizing trench play. The ability to play in the SEC beginning in 2024 could be another factor in Berymon’s decision, as the conference’s reputation for producing elite defensive linemen is well known.
LSU’s Home-State Advantage
Keeping Louisiana Talent In-State
As a Louisiana native, Berymon has strong ties to LSU, and the Tigers have historically done well at keeping top in-state talent at home. Head coach Brian Kelly has made it a priority to retain Louisiana’s best players, and Berymon is no exception.
Relationship with LSU Coaching Staff
Defensive line coach Bo Davis has built a strong relationship with Berymon, emphasizing LSU’s track record of developing defensive linemen for the NFL. LSU’s ability to provide a seamless transition from high school to college, with family support nearby, could be a major advantage for the Tigers.
Playing in the SEC
Playing in the SEC has been a major draw for recruits in the trenches, as the conference is known for producing elite defensive linemen. LSU has a strong history of sending defensive players to the NFL, and Berymon could see himself following in the footsteps of past Tigers who have found success at the next level.
Key Factors in Berymon’s Decision
1. Comfort and Fit
Berymon has stated that he wants to play for a program where he feels at home. USC, Texas, and LSU have all made efforts to build strong relationships with him, but which program will stand out in terms of overall comfort?
2. Player Development and NFL Pipeline
All three programs have strong reputations for developing defensive linemen, but LSU and Texas have the added advantage of playing in the SEC, which has a track record of producing NFL-ready defensive linemen at a high rate.
3. Coaching Stability
Berymon has expressed interest in joining a program where he won’t feel the need to transfer. This means he will evaluate the stability of the coaching staffs at each program before making his decision. Lincoln Riley’s tenure at USC, Steve Sarkisian’s strong foundation at Texas, and Brian Kelly’s recruiting success at LSU all present compelling cases.
4. Immediate Playing Time
Berymon will also consider how early he can see the field at each program. Depth charts, recent commitments, and defensive schemes will play a role in his choice.
Can USC Pull Off the Upset?
While LSU and Texas have inherent advantages in this recruitment battle, USC has positioned itself well with Berymon. The Trojans’ coaching staff, program trajectory, and defensive focus under Lincoln Riley make them a legitimate contender. The key for USC will be maintaining strong communication, getting Berymon back on campus for more visits, and showcasing a clear development plan.
The Trojans have already secured commitments from four-star recruits in their 2026 class, and adding Berymon would be a major statement. With Eric Henderson leading the charge, USC’s chances are stronger than many initially anticipated.
Final Prediction
At this stage, it appears that LSU and Texas are slightly ahead of USC in the race for Berymon’s commitment. However, USC has a legitimate shot if they can continue building momentum. The Trojans have been trending upward in recruiting, and if they can make a compelling case to Berymon and his family, they could pull off a surprise victory in this recruitment battle.
Ultimately, Berymon’s decision will likely come down to his visits in the coming months and which program he feels the strongest connection with. While LSU’s home-state advantage and Texas’ SEC move are compelling, USC remains a dark horse in this race. The battle for Dylan Berymon is far from over, and it will be fascinating to see where he ultimately lands.