California 5-star recruit Havon Finney Jr. has the USC Trojans and LSU Tigers as his top picks.

The recruitment process for high school football players can often be a thrilling, nerve-wracking journey filled with twists and turns, but for 5-star recruit Havon Finney Jr., the road to choosing his college destination has only gotten more intense as his recruitment heats up. As one of the top defensive recruits in the 2025 class, Finney Jr. has caught the attention of major football programs across the country, but it’s the USC Trojans and the LSU Tigers that have emerged as his top two schools, making this one of the most exciting recruitment storylines in recent years.

Finney Jr.’s commitment is highly anticipated not only because of his exceptional on-field abilities but also because of the cultural significance of his choice. Both USC and LSU have storied football traditions, each with their own distinct identities, and whichever team lands him will be making a massive statement about their ability to recruit elite talent. With Finney Jr.’s decision looming, football fans, analysts, and coaches alike are eagerly awaiting to see which powerhouse program will secure his services.

This article will take a closer look at Havon Finney Jr.’s recruitment journey, his decision-making process, the impact he could have on both USC and LSU, and the broader significance of his eventual commitment to college football.

Who is Havon Finney Jr.?

Before diving into his recruitment, it’s important to understand what makes Havon Finney Jr. such a highly sought-after prospect. A 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end from California, Finney Jr. has all the physical tools needed to be a game-changing player at the collegiate level. He’s known for his explosive first step, superior hand placement, and the ability to rush the passer with precision. His quickness and power make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, while his football IQ allows him to read plays and make adjustments in real-time.

Finney Jr. played for one of California’s premier high school football programs, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman and has only gotten better as his career has progressed. He became a focal point of his team’s defense, often requiring double-teams to contain his pass-rush ability. Over the past few seasons, Finney Jr. has racked up an impressive number of sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures. His skill set is well-rounded, as he can rush the quarterback, defend the run, and drop into coverage when needed.

His commitment to excellence on the field has earned him several prestigious honors, including All-American status and being named one of the top 10 defensive players in the nation by recruiting outlets. Despite the pressure of being a 5-star recruit, Finney Jr. has remained grounded, using his platform to inspire others and highlight his dedication to the game.

Finney Jr. has garnered interest from virtually every top program in college football, but it’s the USC Trojans and LSU Tigers that have emerged as the front-runners in his recruitment.

The Appeal of USC: Hometown Glory and Offensive Firepower

The USC Trojans are a natural contender in Finney Jr.’s recruitment, especially given that he hails from California. The proximity to home gives USC a clear advantage, as the Trojans have long been a powerhouse in the Pac-12 and have an impressive history of developing NFL talent. The Trojans’ campus is a mere few hours away from Finney Jr.’s home, which makes staying in California a highly appealing option.

USC’s reputation as an elite program is bolstered by the success of their offense over the past several seasons. The Trojans have consistently featured explosive offensive units, led by high-profile quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. With a potent offense, USC has become a high-profile team in college football, and for a defensive player like Finney Jr., the prospect of facing elite competition and contributing to the team’s success on defense is a strong draw.

Additionally, USC’s defense has experienced a resurgence under head coach Lincoln Riley. Known for his offensive prowess, Riley’s coaching staff has also placed an emphasis on recruiting and developing elite defenders. The addition of a player like Finney Jr. could instantly elevate the Trojans’ pass rush, providing the defense with an elite edge rusher who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. With USC looking to compete for a national championship, Finney Jr. could be the missing piece to help the Trojans’ defense reach the next level.

Another factor that plays into USC’s favor is the historical allure of the program. The Trojans have produced some of the best defensive players in NFL history, including players like Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, and Clay Matthews. For Finney Jr., joining a program with such a rich football heritage offers the chance to make his mark in one of college football’s most storied programs.

LSU: Elite Defense and SEC Dominance

On the other side of the country, the LSU Tigers have emerged as a powerhouse contender for Finney Jr.’s services. Known for producing NFL-caliber talent and competing at the highest level in the SEC, LSU offers a completely different but equally appealing option for Finney Jr. The SEC’s dominance in college football, particularly on defense, makes LSU an attractive destination for any elite defensive recruit.

LSU has long been recognized as a defensive juggernaut, consistently producing some of the most dominant defenses in the country. In recent years, the Tigers have been especially strong on the defensive line, with numerous players making their way to the NFL. LSU’s focus on developing strong, aggressive defenders makes it a natural fit for a player like Finney Jr., who excels at rushing the passer and wreaking havoc in the backfield.

Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU has seen a resurgence both offensively and defensively, with the program’s defensive line playing a key role in its success. Kelly’s focus on recruiting and developing players who can dominate at the line of scrimmage fits perfectly with Finney Jr.’s strengths as a pass rusher. With the Tigers already competing for SEC championships, Finney Jr. could help elevate LSU to even greater heights, becoming a focal point of a defense that could potentially be the best in the nation.

Beyond the team’s success, LSU offers an exciting opportunity for Finney Jr. to play in one of the most challenging and competitive conferences in college football. The SEC is home to some of the best offenses in the country, and facing top-tier competition on a weekly basis would only help Finney Jr. continue to develop his skills and increase his chances of making a successful transition to the NFL.

LSU’s football culture, with its passionate fanbase and its reputation as a national championship contender, also plays a major role in its appeal. Playing in front of thousands of roaring fans at Tiger Stadium and having the chance to compete in high-stakes SEC matchups is a huge draw for any recruit. For Finney Jr., the idea of playing in such an intense environment and representing one of the most respected programs in college football is a tantalizing prospect.

Decision Time: The Pros and Cons of Each Option

As Finney Jr. enters the final stages of his recruitment, the decision between USC and LSU is far from easy. Each school offers its own set of benefits and challenges, and Finney Jr. will need to carefully weigh his options before making a final choice.

• Proximity to Home vs. New Challenges: One of the most appealing aspects of USC is the opportunity to play close to home. Finney Jr. would have the chance to represent his home state while staying near family and friends. However, LSU offers a different challenge in the form of the SEC’s intense competition, which could help Finney Jr. grow as a player and prepare for a career at the next level.
• Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Powerhouse: USC’s offense is one of the best in the country, and the chance to compete against high-powered offenses could appeal to a defensive player looking to make a major impact. On the other hand, LSU offers the chance to be part of a traditionally dominant defense, where Finney Jr. could thrive and potentially become one of the faces of the team.
• NFL Development: Both USC and LSU have produced NFL stars, and Finney Jr. knows that whichever program he chooses will provide him with the tools and opportunities to develop into a future NFL prospect. While USC has a reputation for producing offensive players, LSU’s defensive pedigree could be the deciding factor for Finney Jr., given his position and strengths.

The Final Decision: What’s Next for Finney Jr.?

At the time of writing, Havon Finney Jr. has not yet made his commitment, but his decision is fast approaching. As his recruitment continues to unfold, one thing is certain: wherever he chooses to play, Finney Jr. will have a significant impact on that program’s future.

For USC, landing Finney Jr. would solidify their defensive front and help them compete for national championships in the years to come. For LSU, securing a commitment from Finney Jr. would add another elite pass rusher to an already formidable defense, making the Tigers even more dangerous in the SEC and on the national stage.

In the coming weeks, Finney Jr. will likely take official visits to both campuses, giving him the chance to immerse himself in the culture and meet with coaching staffs. His decision will ultimately shape the future of college football, as the program that lands him will undoubtedly benefit from his immense talent for years to come. Until then, fans of USC, LSU, and college football in general will anxiously await the decision of one of the most promising defensive recruits in recent memory.