USC continues to mine the Southeast for defensive talent, and one of the latest gems to sign with the Trojans is Peyton “Man Man” Dyer, a versatile defensive back who officially joined the program during the Early Signing Period. While Dyer won’t count as another Georgia recruit in the books-he transferred to Tyner Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee-his roots in the Peach State are a key part of his story. And his path to USC is one that speaks volumes about both his talent and the Trojans’ recruiting reach.
A National Recruitment That Ended in Southern California
Dyer’s recruitment was anything but quiet. USC got involved early in 2025, even while Dyer was committed to South Carolina.
That pledge came last November, but by the time the calendar flipped, Dyer's recruitment had exploded. Offers rolled in from all over the college football map-Florida State, Ohio State, Michigan, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and more.
By the time the dust settled, he held nearly 30 offers.
But it was a spring visit to USC that changed everything. After making the trip out to Los Angeles for an unofficial visit, Dyer decommitted from South Carolina, and while the Gamecocks, Georgia, and Penn State remained in the mix with official visits lined up, USC made its move. Dyer returned to campus in early June for an official visit, and that’s when he made his decision-he was heading west.
What USC Is Getting in Peyton Dyer
Dyer brings a lot to the table, both in terms of physical tools and positional flexibility. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, he’s the kind of cornerback who can match up with a variety of receivers.
According to 247Sports, he’s rated as the No. 39 cornerback nationally and the No. 14 overall player in Tennessee. He checks in at No. 333 in the national composite rankings.
While Tyner Academy didn’t list defensive stats for his senior year, Dyer’s junior season in Georgia gives a clearer picture of his impact. He totaled 70 tackles, broke up 12 passes, forced a pair of fumbles, and came away with an interception-all in just nine games. That kind of production, especially in a talent-rich state like Georgia, speaks to his instincts and ability to make plays in space.
A Swiss Army Knife for USC’s Secondary
Dyer isn’t just a cornerback-he’s a defensive back in the truest sense. Before transferring to Tyner Academy, he lined up all over the field for Duluth High School in Georgia.
He’s played both inside and outside at corner, spent time at nickel, and even dropped back to safety. That versatility is going to be key for USC, especially with how the secondary is shaping up for 2026 and beyond.
The Trojans are losing some serious experience on the back end. Top corner DeCarlos Nicholson and free safety Bishop Fitzgerald are out, and Kamari Ramsey could be headed to the NFL. That opens the door for a youth movement, and Dyer is entering a room that’s going to be full of competition-and opportunity.
Christian Pierce and Kennedy Urlacher are the early favorites to take over at safety if Ramsey leaves, but freshman Alex Graham is a wild card who could play anywhere across the secondary. Marcelles Williams is locked in as a returning starter at corner, but with Braylon Conley hitting the transfer portal, there’s room for someone like Dyer to step in and make a case early.
Chasen Johnson will also be returning after an early-season injury, adding another intriguing piece to the puzzle. But Dyer’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a prime candidate to be cross-trained at several spots, especially as USC looks to retool a secondary that was quietly improving down the stretch this past season.
What Stands Out on Tape
When you watch Dyer play, the first thing that jumps out is how fluid he is in coverage. He mirrors receivers with ease, whether he’s lined up outside or in the slot.
His anticipation and reaction time are elite for a high school player-he doesn’t just read routes, he jumps them. That football IQ, paired with his physicality and quick trigger when the ball’s in the air, makes him a natural fit for a defense that’s looking to get more aggressive under Doug Belk.
And speaking of Belk-his ties to Georgia continue to pay off. Dyer might be listed as a Tennessee product now, but it’s Belk’s familiarity with the Georgia high school scene that helped land him, just like it did with James Johnson and Kendarius Reddick in the previous cycle.
The Bottom Line
Peyton Dyer is the kind of player who fits what USC is building on defense: fast, physical, and versatile. He’s not just a depth piece-he’s someone who could push for playing time early, especially if he takes quickly to the college game and adapts to multiple roles in the secondary.
With the Trojans losing key veterans and welcoming a wave of young talent, Dyer arrives at the right time. And if his high school production and positional flexibility are any indication, he might be one of the more quietly impactful signings in USC’s 2026 class.