USC Lands Talanoa Ili, Four-Star Linebacker ​recruit

​ Updated June 15, 2025
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USC’s football recruiting efforts received a meaningful boost with⁢ the commitment of ⁤Talanoa Ili, a four-star ‌outside⁢ linebacker. Ili, ⁢ranked No. 53‌ in⁤ the ESPN 300 for the 2026 class, chose⁢ the Trojans over ‌UCLA after visiting both schools ‍this⁣ spring.⁣ He​ also‌ canceled planned visits‌ to BYU, notre Dame, Oklahoma and Texas.

The⁤ 6-foot-4,215-pound Ili,from Orange,Calif., ‌is the No. 7 outside linebacker prospect ⁤in⁣ the nation. His decision further solidifies USC’s top-ranked 2026 recruiting class, wich now boasts 29 commitments, ‌including ⁢15 ESPN 300 players.

Ili credited USC linebackers‌ coach Rob ‌Ryan’s NFL experience and the impact of general manager Chad Bowden for swaying his decision. Bowden’s arrival has focused on keeping top California⁣ talent in-state.

“Sence Chad has come ‍into the building,he’s really shifted the‍ needle towards keeping California kids home,” Ili ‍said. “That’s ‍what really excited⁣ me ⁣because I feel ⁢in my opinion that California football ⁢is the best football ⁣in⁣ the nation.​ So ​why not keep it in L.A.?”

Eighteen of USC’s 29 commitments‍ are from California. The Trojans’ 2026 class includes seven top-100 recruits, highlighted by five-stars ⁤Elbert Hill (No. ‍15 overall) and Keenyi Pepe (No.⁤ 17). Ili joins fellow linebackers Shaun Scott (No. ‌164) and Taylor​ johnson in the class.

Before transferring to Kahuku‍ High School​ in hawaii for his ⁤senior year,⁢ Ili was a three-year starter at Orange Lutheran High School in California. ‍In his ⁤junior year, he recorded 78 tackles,⁣ including‍ eight for loss.

What’s‌ next

With‌ Ili committed, attention turns to the remaining top uncommitted outside ‌linebackers ⁣in the 2026 class. Tyler Atkinson (No. 13 overall), Anthony Jones (No. 25), ⁣xavier griffin (No.28) and D.Q. Forkpa (No. 40) are among those still considering their options.