On Sunday, USC football picked up a massive commitment, landing top-100 class of 2026 linebacker Talanoa Ili. Under Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden, the Trojans continue to add to their top-ranked 2026 recruiting class.
Following Ili’s commitment, recruiting analyst Greg Biggins evaluated what USC is getting in the four-star linebacker:
“His positional versatility is what jumps out, and he’s truly one of the rare defenders who can line up at any of the three ‘backer positions and excel in any type of defensive scheme.
“He’s physical enough and has the frame to play inside and athletic enough to cover and play in space and offers pass-rush ability. He has always been big hitter who loves contact, is decisive making reads and can get downhill in a hurry.
“With his all-around skill set to go along with his toughness and compete level, Ili has a great chance to be a multiyear starter in college as well and an early-impact player.
“He has an NFL ceiling, and his all-around game and scheme versatility is what you want to see in a modern-day linebacker.”
If Biggins’s evaluation proves to be correct, the Trojans appear to be getting a future stud at linebacker. USC fans are certainly hoping that is indeed the case.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Recruiting analyst evaluates USC linebacker commit Talanoa Ili
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
