Talanoa Ili, one of the nation’s top linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class, has trimmed his list down to two schools—and to the surprise of some, the UCLA Bruins are firmly in the fight. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound four-star prospect out of Kahuku (Hawaii) will make his commitment on Sunday, June 15, choosing between crosstown rivals UCLA and USC in what has become a heated, two-team battle for one of the West’s premier defensive talents.
UCLA made a major impression during Ili’s official visit to Westwood in early May. The Bruins have been in the mix for months, and their long-standing relationship with the former Orange Lutheran star could be paying off at just the right time. New head coach DeShaun Foster and his staff have prioritized Ili as a foundational piece for the future of the Bruins defense, and they’ve positioned themselves as more than just a dark horse in the final stretch.
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Ili has since canceled upcoming official visits to national powers like Notre Dame, Texas, BYU, and Oregon—signaling just how serious he is about staying in Los Angeles. For the Bruins, landing Ili would be a program-defining win. He would be their highest-ranked commit in the 2026 cycle and one of the top defensive signees UCLA has secured in years.
A native of Hawaii now returning home for his senior year at powerhouse Kahuku, Ili’s game blends athleticism, physicality, and versatility. He can play inside or out, cover in space, rush the passer, and explode downhill with elite burst. National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins praised Ili’s compete level, instincts, and ability to impact the game in every phase.
While USC remains the perceived favorite—particularly with Ili set to visit the Trojans this weekend—the Bruins have done enough to make this a legitimate coin flip. Ili’s family ties to UCLA and the strong impression made by Foster’s vision for the program have kept Westwood very much in play.
If UCLA can close the deal, it would not only represent a recruiting coup over their blood rival, but also a statement that the new era under DeShaun Foster is capable of keeping top-tier talent in blue and gold.