The USC Trojans are still a ways away from competing at the national level with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Ohio State for titles. In order to make progress and get there, they have to win recruiting battles.

USC lost out on its prized recruit, Domani Jackson. The five-star defensive back decided to decommit and re-open his recruitment. He didn’t officially rule out USC, but it’s unlikely he sticks with the Trojans for his commitment.

Now the buzz is that he’s heading to a powerhouse.

Rivals recruiting analysts Adam Gorney and Adam Boone discussed Jackson’s recruitment. Both predicted that he would land with the Crimson Tide:

Gorney’s take: FACT. I would have to imagine this is as close to a lock now as possible. The five-star cornerback was committed to USC for about 11 months but after his official visit to Alabama, he reopened his recruitment to sort things out. The hiring at USC is important and he has a great relationship with interim coach Donte Williams, who could stay on the new staff, plus he still likes Michigan a whole lot. But Domani Jackson is a high-level kid and Alabama was a high-level experience this past weekend. Lock is a strong word but right now I’d be surprised if he went elsewhere.

Bone’s take: FACT. I never like to use the word ‘lock’ when it comes to predicting top recruits. There are so many different variables that can change a mind before the ink is dry. Jackson still plans on taking a few more visits before he signs in December and will wait to see who USC hires as its next head coach. The Crimson Tide have to feel very good about where they stand in his recruitment. Alabama always felt like the school that would have the best chance to flip him from USC after Jackson spent three days with the Tide in June and returned for an official a few weekends ago. He has also mentioned several times throughout the year how he is in daily contact with Alabama defensive backs coach Jay Valai. Alabama is in the driver’s seat and there is strong belief he will sign with the Tide, but it’s not over just yet.

Gorney does note that USC isn’t fully out of it yet, and that the coaching hire is a big factor in this. Plus, Jackson has a relationship with Williams, which could be the last thing USC is holding onto.

However, don’t get your hopes up, USC fans.