USC's push and pitch for 4-star LB Talanoa Ili paid off with commitment

“On February 1 is when USC really started rolling for me,” Ili explained to Chad Simmons of On3. “Being home, playing in front of all my family and all my people was part of my decision. The rich tradition and connection I have with the coaching staff were other factors for me. Then, being on the big stage at USC, seeing the vision the staff has for the program and being part of that in the future helped in my decision.”

Ili spent the first three years of high school at Orange Lutheran in Orange, California, so playing for USC really will be a homecoming for him.

The Trojans have been disappointing over the past two seasons, going just 15-11, but Riley is pitching recruits a return to USC's heyday. Throw in the strong ties the program has to the Polynesian culture, and the Trojans just made sense for Ili.

“What excites me is playing with a bunch of the guys I’ve grown up playing with/against and competing for a national championship,” Ili said. “Playing for the tradition that USC carries, especially with the Polynesian culture, excites me too. There’s a long list of things that excite me about going to USC, but those are the biggest.”

In all, this is another big recruiting win for the Trojans. Ili is ranked as the No. 3 linebacker in the 2026 class and the No. 1 recruit from Hawaii, according to 247Sports. 

Riley is building an elite 2026 class for USC. Ili is its 29th commitment, and it's ranked No. 1 in the nation.