USC Gaining New Momentum for No. 1 Hawaii Prospect

“Everything changed after Chad Bowen became GM and really shifted the narrative to keeping the California kids home,” Ili told On3. “When that narrative was created, the way they recruited me shifted and after my first visit this year, I saw USC in a different way."

Ili dove into how relations between USC and him have now gone. 

“Since then, things have been going well. Things have changed. The relationships are stronger, things have really grown between USC and me and I like the new vision a lot. Keeping the California kids home shows me a lot," Ili said. 

Ili's words are a new welcome sign for USC. The Trojans have a chance to continue their impressive 2026 recruiting streak. 

“I am being patient with everything and taking it all in, but I am leaning towards USC," Ili said. "I am going to do my due diligence, and I haven’t made a decision, but USC is my leader."

However, Ili adds that he hasn't finalized his school of choice yet. 

"The Trojan Way looks nice, so it is something I am thinking about, but I still have a lot of other schools I am considering," Ili said. 

As loaded USC's current class looks, none of its 27 verbal commits represents linebacker. Ili becomes the first if he chooses the Trojans.