The USC Trojans are making a strong push to land four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili from Orange Lutheran (CA) after his visit to campus during their Junior Day event on Saturday. Ili, who has been a key target for the Oregon Ducks following multiple visits to Eugene, is now receiving increased attention from USC.
The Trojans welcomed a group of top-tier recruits from Southern California to their Junior Day, including several they are trying to sway for the 2026 class. Among them were five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. from Mater Dei (CA), committed to Ohio State, four-star defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui, an Oregon commit, and four-star receiver Vance Spafford from Mission Viejo (CA), who is committed to Georgia.
Yet, one uncommitted recruit standing out on USC’s priority list is Ili. Although Oregon has generated considerable momentum with Ili after his third visit to Eugene, the Trojans made a strong impression during his recent visit.
“The Junior Day at USC was really great,” Ili told 247Sports. “It was awesome meeting all the coaches there—Coach Lincoln Riley, Coach Rob Ryan, Coach D’Anton Lynn, Coach Shaun Nua, Coach Dogg (Aaron Amaama), and new GM Chad Bowden. The conversations with everyone really stood out to me.”
“I’d say USC has definitely become a much bigger factor in my recruitment after this visit,” Ili added.
Ranked as the No. 3 linebacker and No. 55 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings, Ili was one of three notable recruits visiting USC for Junior Day, alongside 2026 four-star offensive lineman Samuel Utu and 2028 edge/tight end Marcus Fakatou.
As USC works to dominate the Southern California recruiting scene, they also hosted several top prospects, including Mater Dei’s 2026 four-star receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, four-star tight end Mark Bowman, 2027 offensive lineman Lex Mailangi, defensive linemen Montana Toiolo and Matamagi Uiagalelei, and 2028 safety Ace Leutele, who earned an offer from USC this weekend. Other prospects included Santa Margarita’s four-star receiver Trent Mosely and JSerra Catholic’s four-star edge rusher Simote Katoanga.
“It’s a great environment, culture, and staff,” Katoanga said. “What excites me most is the chance to help bring USC back to a National Title and to be versatile across the defensive line.”
Want to thank @CoachNua , @Coach_Henny , and @uscfb for the hospitality at Junior Day. Great visit and can’t wait to come back! #FightOn✌🏽#AG2G@LincolnRiley @AaronAmaama @CoachSkyJones @dantonlynn @JSerra_Football @vscwintoday @COACH_THOMSON pic.twitter.com/PN182yVfJO
— Simote Katoanga (@Motekatoanga) February 2, 2025
In recent years, schools like Oregon, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia have consistently recruited top talent from Southern California, often surpassing USC in terms of local talent acquisition. However, there’s a growing buzz around USC’s recruiting efforts for the 2026 class, which looks set to be one of their strongest in the past decade.
Currently, USC has eight commitments and is holding the No. 2 spot in the On3 Industry Rankings for the 2026 cycle.
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