Georgia Tech lost the commitment of former Wyoming defensive end Solomon Byrd, who previously committed to Tech out of the transfer portal but announced Tuesday that he instead is transferring to USC.

Byrd, a freshman All-American in 2019, announced his commitment to Tech on April 29. Byrd chose the Yellow Jackets over USC, Duke and Colorado State, among others. He looked to be a needed addition to a defensive end group that lost starters Jordan Domineck and Jared Ivey to the transfer portal (Arkansas and Mississippi, respectively).

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution following his commitment, he called Tech “the best situation” for him despite being from Southern California and the Trojans’ status as a marquee brand in college football. Byrd evidently had a change of heart in subsequent days.

The Jackets’ leading returners in sacks are linebacker Charlie Thomas (three in 2021) and defensive end Kyle Kennard (two).

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