Julian Lewis, Bronny James connections: USC Trojans, appearing on Sports Illustrated cover in high school

Since 1966, only 17 athletes have made a Sports Illustrated cover while playing in high school, and these two potential USC classmates are among them

Superstar sophomore quarterback Julian Lewis (Carrollton, Georgia) last month became the youngest football player to make the cover of Sports Illustrated.

He made the cover of the Money Issue with NIL being the central issue. At the time, NIL wasn't allowed in Georgia, but earlier this week the Peach State became the 30th state to adopt standards for students to profit from their name, image and likeness.

And last night, Lewis stuffed the stat sheet yet again for Carrollton in a 56-24 win over East Coweta.

Lewis, a USC Trojans football commit, is the 17th athlete since 1966 to make the cover of Sports Illustrated while competing in high school sports.

Right before him was USC freshman basketball player Bronny James, who appeared with his brother Bryce James and dad LeBron James on a 2022 cover while the brothers were playing for Sierra Canyon (California). 

Bronny made his cover debut a year earlier with a group that included NFL quarterback Kyler Murray for an issue featuring e-sports. 

Here are the athletes we know of who made the cover of Sports Illustrated while playing high school sports, starting with the most recent. 

Note that Jennifer Capriati (tennis) and Kristie Phillips (gymnastics) aren't listed because although they were of high school age when they appeared on the cover, they didn't play high school sports.

Notice any omissions? Email swanson@scorebooklive.com.

Julian Lewis throws a pass for Carrollton in last year's state championship game against Mill Creek.

Photo by Colin Hubbard

Julian Lewis (2023)

Carrollton High School, Georgia (football)

Bronny James (2021 and 2022)

Sierra Canyon High School, California (basketball)

Bryce James (2022)

Sierra Canyon High School, California (basketball)

Emoni Bates (2019)

Ypsilanti High School, Michigan (basketball)

Hunter Greene (2017)

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School, California (baseball)

Jabari Parker (2012)

Simeon Career Academy, Illinois (basketball)

Bryce Harper (2009)

Las Vegas High School, Nevada (baseball)

Sebastian Telfair (2004)

Brooklyn Lincoln High School, New York (basketball)

LeBron James (2002)

St. Vincent-St. Mary, Ohio (basketball)

Marcus Stroud (1996)

Brooks County High School, Georgia (football)

Kevin Garnett (1995)

Farragut Academy, Illinois (basketball)

Jon Peters (1989)

Brenham High School, Texas (baseball)

Bobby Carpenter (1981)

St. John's Prep, Massachusetts (ice hockey)

Bruce Hardy (1974)

Bingham High School, Utah (football)

Mike Peterson (1971)

Yates Center High School, Kansas (football, basketball, baseball)

Tom McMillen (1970)

Mansfield High School, Pennsylvania (basketball)

Rick Mount (1966)

Lebanon High School, Indiana (basketball)

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-- Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports