USC's top recruiting class literally gets bigger thanks to four-star OT

Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC's top recruiting class literally gets bigger thanks to massive four-star OT

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 8:13 PM ET

Vlad Dyakonov checks in at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, and he's not even a senior in high school yet.

A four-star offensive tackle from Folsom, California, Dyakonov is the type of player you use to intimidate the other team.

That's good news for the USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley, too, because the big four-star committed to them on Wednesday.

"[I'm] very thankful for all of the opportunities that I was offered. Thank you to the coaches who recruited me. I'm staying home," Dyakonov wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Very thankful for all of the opportunities that I was offered thank you to the coaches who recruited me

I’m staying home #FightOn✌️@LincolnRiley @AaronAmaama @FightOn247 @AnnieHanson_ @USC_Athletics @gray_reed77 @WestonZernechel @zaiturner @DreBrownUSC @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/uWUvqYUnAi
— Vlad Dyakonov (@Vlad_Dyakonov55) April 9, 2025

Not only is Dyakonov a big recruit, but this was a sizable recruiting win for Riley and his staff. The Folsom product has nearly 30 offers to his name from some of the most attractive programs in college football.

The Trojans have seemingly been in a good spot with him for some time, though. He took visits to Los Angeles a few times, and his last unofficial could have sealed the deal for USC.

"USC left a big impression on me, and I am very interested,” Dyakonov told On3 in February. “I would say they are in my top schools for sure."

While USC was high in the mix, the Trojans did beat out other contenders such as Stanford, UCLA, Ole Miss, Kansas and Arizona State.

"When you look at his size, growth potential, toughness and mobility, Dyakonov definitely has an NFL upside to him and has the talent to play for any school in the country," Greg Biggins of 247Sports said of USC's new commit.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Dyakonov is the No. 35 offensive tackle recruit in the 2026 class. He's the 22nd player to commit to USC's top-ranked class.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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