Nation's No. 1 DT set to visit other school despite Washington commitment

The nation's top defensive tackle is making an interesting recruiting choice.

Marlon Tuipulotu is one of the best prospects in the Class of 2017 and, despite a pledge, his recruitment may not be over just yet. Steve Wiltfong of 247 Sports brings word that Tuipulotu will be taking a visit to USC this weekend and, because he is committed to a Pac-12 rival in Washington, this is enormous news.

The report indicates that Tuipulotu, who has been committed to play for Chris Petersen and the Huskies since April, could be very much in play, as Wiltfong says USC has "a great chance to flip" his commitment. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle from Independence High School (Ore.) rates as a top-20 overall recruit by 247Sports and as the No. 60 overall player in the country according to composite rankings.

Because of that sizable pedigree, this will likely be an ongoing battle between two of the top programs in the Pac-12. USC currently owns the recruiting edge according to most rankings, but Washington's conference title and the rising notoriety of Petersen level the playing field. Throw in the fact that Tuipulotu is, of course, actively committed to Washington right now and things get very, very interesting. Keep an eye on the southern portion of California this weekend.