USC Trojans continued its recruiting hot streak with a major addition to its 2026 class on Sunday, landing a commitment from four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili, a versatile, hard-hitting prospect out of Kahuku High School in Hawaii.
Originally from Southern California, Ili played three years at Orange Lutheran before transferring to Kahuku for his senior season. His recruitment had long trended toward Oregon, with heavy interest from national powers like Texas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, BYU, and UCLA. But after several visits to USC this year—most recently an official visit earlier this month—the Trojans surged ahead and sealed the deal.
“I knew I wanted to come home and play for the home team,” Ili told 247Sports after announcing his decision. “Playing in front of my family and friends, in the Coliseum, for the school I grew up watching—it just felt right.”
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Ili brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Hawaii and a consensus top-100 national player across multiple recruiting services, Ili is considered one of the best linebackers in the 2026 cycle. He becomes the 29th commit in USC’s top-ranked recruiting class and joins a growing collection of blue-chip talent pledging to head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden.
USC Trojans Shift Momentum
Not long ago, USC wasn’t viewed as a front-runner for Ili’s commitment. Oregon held the early edge, and Ili had visits planned for several other powerhouse programs. But everything changed in early 2024.
“On February 1 is when USC really started rolling for me,” Ili said in an interview with On3. “Everything changed when Chad Bowden became GM. He really shifted the narrative to keeping California kids home. That was a big part of it for me. California football is the best in the country. Why not keep it in L.A.?”
Ili pointed to the Trojans’ renewed recruiting philosophy, a strong connection with the coaching staff—particularly linebackers coach Rob Ryan and defensive ends coach Shaun Nua—and the family atmosphere he experienced during his visits as key reasons for his commitment.
“Their interest in me showed,” Ili said. “I can’t even count how many times I’ve been at USC. On my official visit, I spent time with Coach Rob, Coach Riley, Coach Lynn, Dogg, and DLo. The way they treated my family meant a lot.”
Why USC Made Sense
USC’s 2026 linebacker room is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. Ili joins fellow four-star linebacker Shaun Scott and three-star Taylor Johnson, both California prospects. As USC looks to replenish its depth at the position following the expected departures of Eric Gentry and Anthony Beavers Jr. after the 2025 season, Ili is projected to compete early for playing time.
His skill set offers immediate flexibility: he’s physical enough to play inside, agile enough to drop into coverage, and explosive off the edge as a pass rusher.
“I want to play for a national championship,” Ili said. “I want to continue the legacy of USC, especially with the Polynesian tradition at the school. That means a lot to me.”
Ili’s commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s symbolic of the shift USC is making in reclaiming its status as a West Coast powerhouse. His presence reinforces a 2026 class that already includes elite names like five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, five-star tight end Mark Bowman, and defensive standouts like Jaimeon Winfield and Elbert Hill.
With seven top-100 players already in the fold and recruiting momentum showing no signs of slowing, USC’s 2026 class is shaping up to be a foundational group capable of elevating the program back into national title contention.
“I’m just blessed and grateful,” Ili said. “It’s time to bring college football back to Hollywood.”