USC Trojans Land Four-Star Linebacker Recruit Talanoa Ili

The highly touted Hawaii native could be a breakout star for the Trojans in 2026.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:35pm

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USC's top-ranked 2026 recruiting class is headlined by four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili, who is expected to join a talented group of returning starters at the position. Ili, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, is ranked the No. 97 overall player nationally and No. 2 in the state of Hawaii. He is praised for his exceptional athleticism and ability to excel at multiple linebacker positions.

Why it matters

The linebacker position was the youngest and most inexperienced on the Trojans roster last season, so Ili's arrival, along with the return of starters Desman Stephens II and Jadyn Walker, as well as the addition of Washington transfer Deven Bryant, should provide a major boost to USC's defense as they prepare for a challenging Big Ten schedule in 2026.

The details

Ili is set to join a linebacker room that returns starters Stephens, who led the Trojans with 89 total tackles and one forced fumble last season, and Walker, who recorded 33 total tackles and one sack. The Trojans also bring in Washington transfer Bryant, who had 69 total tackles in three seasons with the Huskies. This group will play a crucial role in new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson's efforts to toughen up the Trojans' defense, which struggled in key road games last season.

  • Ili is part of USC's top-ranked 2026 recruiting class.
  • The Trojans face a gauntlet of a Big Ten schedule in 2026, including road games against Penn State, defending national champion Indiana, and crosstown rival UCLA.

The players

Talanoa Ili

A four-star linebacker recruit from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, ranked the No. 97 overall player nationally and No. 2 in the state of Hawaii. Praised for his exceptional athleticism and ability to excel at multiple linebacker positions.

Desman Stephens II

A returning starter at linebacker for the Trojans, he led the team with 89 total tackles and one forced fumble last season.

Jadyn Walker

A returning starter at linebacker for the Trojans, he recorded 33 total tackles and one sack in 2025.

Deven Bryant

A linebacker transfer from Washington, he recorded 69 total tackles in three seasons with the Huskies.

Gary Patterson

USC's new defensive coordinator, who Trojan fans expect to bring new energy and toughness to the team's defense.

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What’s next

The Trojans will look to Ili and the rest of their talented linebacker corps to help improve a defense that struggled in key road games last season. With a challenging Big Ten schedule ahead, including matchups against Penn State, Indiana, and UCLA, the Trojans' defensive play under new coordinator Gary Patterson will be a major factor in determining their championship aspirations for 2026.

The takeaway

USC's 2026 recruiting class is loaded with talent, and the addition of four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili could be a game-changer for the Trojans' defense. Paired with a group of experienced returning starters and a new defensive coordinator, Ili and the Trojans' linebackers will be crucial in helping the team navigate a tough Big Ten schedule and reach their championship goals.