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Prized USC Commit Called Contender for Prestigious Number

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 10:34 PM ET

The buzz is building for one USC football commit for the 2026 class. Talanoa Ili fired up Trojan fans with his Father's Day commitment. Even his future linebackers coach Rob Ryan flexed after the commitment.

But Ili could be lined up to wear a revered number on campus. A number that hasn't been worn in quite some time.

Blair Angulo of 247Sports helped break down Ili's impact Monday. Ili will arrive as the state of Hawaii's top overall prospect. And he's expected to lead the linebacker room for the future in the Land of Troy.

With that said, Angulo believes Ili has positioned himself to wear a prestigious number on the campus. The same number past USC defensive greats wore during their own Trojans run.

"He's worn No. 1 throughout high school, so he might want to stay in the single digits, but there's no question that No. 55 would not be too heavy for him to carry," Angulo said.

That's right -- the same No. 55 worn by legendary USC linebackers. The late Junior Seau wrecked offenses wearing that number. Keith Rivers then sported No. 55. Chris Claiborne famously wore 55 during the late 1990s before becoming an All-American. Willie McGinest is another past No. 55 for USC -- before he rose to All-American and later multiple Super Bowl winner.

That jersey number always went to the most polished inside linebacker. Angulo has strong belief USC will hand those digits to Ili once he arrives.

"He also understands the significance of that No. 55. Not just from a leadership standpoint but an ability standpoint," Angulo said. "That number carries prestige and that means you have to make plays. It means you're going to be the star in the middle of that defense. Talanoa has the mentality, physicality and talent to live up to that standard."

No one on the 2025 roster is wearing No. 55. Ili could be the one who helps un-retire that number.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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