By Mmesoma 
One of Alabama’s top junior defenders is headed out of state — and he’s shaking up the college football recruiting world in the process.
Four-star linebacker Kameron “KJ” Watts, a rising senior out of Mobile’s Lanier High School, announced his commitment Monday afternoon to USC, choosing the Trojans over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Texas.
Watts’ decision stunned many across the Southeast, especially given his deep roots in the heart of SEC country and heavy interest from both the Crimson Tide and Tigers.
“I had to do what’s best for me and my future,” Watts said during his live announcement streamed on social media. “USC felt like home. Coach (Lincoln) Riley and Coach (Brian) Odom showed real love from Day One. They believe in my game, and I believe in what they’re building out there.”
Watts, listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, is ranked among the top 15 linebackers nationally in the 2026 class by 247Sports. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, explosive first step, and aggressive play style, he tallied 112 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks last season — performances that made him one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the South.
But the lure of Los Angeles — and the promise of early playing time in the Big Ten — proved too strong to pass up.
“Coach Odom broke it down for me,” Watts said. “He told me exactly how I’d be used — as a hybrid, blitz-heavy linebacker who can drop in coverage. That’s my style.”
Watts also cited USC’s recent push in national recruiting and the program’s defensive overhaul as key reasons for his choice.
“I want to be part of something special. Everyone talks about Alabama and Georgia, and they’re great. But I want to be one of the guys that helps USC win on the biggest stage again.”
Despite the buzz surrounding his SEC options, Watts insisted his decision wasn’t about running from competition — it was about trusting his instincts.
“I’ve got nothing but love for my home state,” he added. “But it’s time to go write my own story.”
Watts becomes USC’s fifth commitment from the South in the 2026 class and marks a major win for Riley’s staff, which has been aggressively targeting elite defenders from SEC territory in an effort to balance the program’s offensive-heavy identity.
With the commitment now locked in, Watts says he’s done taking visits — and focused on bringing more talent westward.
“I’m recruiting now,” he said, smiling. “We’re going to shock a lot of people.”