USC didn't have to wait until National Signing Day to make a resounding statement.

Five-star inside linebacker Porter Gustin kicked off what many expect to be a loud week for head coach Steve Sarkisian, committing to the Trojans on Tuesday during a ceremony at Salem (Utah) Salem Hills. The 6-foot-5, 237-pound prospect chose USC over finalists Arizona State, Ohio State and Utah.

The last few weeks of Gustin's recruitment were a whirlwind. And despite official visits to see the Sun Devils (Jan. 23), Utes (Jan. 28) and Buckeyes (Jan. 31) after he was in Los Angeles, the Trojans outlasted the other suitors largely due to his relationship with Sarkisian and the rest of the coaching staff. Gustin also visited USC's campus more than any other during the process, and his familiarity and comfort level there were key components in his thought process.

"USC has the tradition, which is as rich and as deep as any other," his father, John Gustin, said. "They're going to put kids into the next level and they're going to win games. They will contend for national championships in the near future coming off sanctions. What they did on 15 scholarships the last few years was amazing."

And though the Buckeyes were coming off an amazing run of their own to the College Football Playoff National Championship and made a late push thanks to head coach Urban Meyer, the potential for glory at USC was too much to turn down for Gustin, rated the No. 25 overall prospect by Rivals.com.

"With USC, if we look at its recruiting class, it's top three right now and they could land Rasheem Green, John Houston and Iman Marshall," John Gustin said. "With those guys in the mix they could close with the No. 1 recruiting class. Now you're looking at a program that has an opportunity to compete for a national championship in the near future. That was the goal and vision for Porter. He wants that opportunity to contribute and that's what he wants to be a part of."

According to his father, the Trojans view Gustin as a linebacker with hybrid capabilities to pass rush and pressure the backfield. They landed a huge commitment from Utah's other top recruit, four-star outside linebacker Osa Masina, last month, and certainly plan to integrate both of them in the scheme the moment they step on campus this summer.

"USC likes Porter at a linebacker role with some opportunities to have his hand in the dirt," John Gustin said. "It's really a great fit for him and what he likes to do on defense."

Gustin became the first five-star prospect to join USC's vaunted recruiting class, though the Trojans are set up nicely with the likes of Marshall, Houston and Green also announcing on National Signing Day.

Gustin was dynamic all season long and capped off an impressive rise in the rankings with a strong showing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He threw for over 2,800 yards and rushed for nearly 900 yards, totaling 32 touchdowns as a quarterback in his senior season. On defense, Gustin had over 150 tackles, including 29 for a loss, to go along with 10.5 sacks and two interceptions.