Desman Stephens II grew up in Big Ten country. He has decided to play in the B1G by heading west and joining Lincoln Riley’s program.

Stephens announced his commitment to USC on Thanksgiving. He shared the big news on social media.

A Clarkston (Michigan) standout, Stephens is listed as measuring over 6-2 and 208 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, Stephens is rated 3-stars, the No. 9 recruit in the state of Michigan, No. 32 linebacker and No. 486 prospect overall in the Class of 2024.

Stephens has picked up scholarship offers from 21 programs during his recruitment. USC beat out Michigan State, Purdue and others to land Stephens’ verbal pledge. Lincoln Riley’s staff got Stephens on campus recently for his official visit.

Prior to Stephens’ announcement, USC’s 2024 class was ranked No. 18 on the Composite. Trojans fans can see what Stephens adds to the class by checking out his senior-season Hudl reel highlighting. As a defender, Stephens logged 88 tackles, including 9 TFL and 35 solo stops, along with 3 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.