USC secures 4-star recruit over UCLA in high-profile college football signing battle
Going Hollywood: How USC Snatched a 4-star Recruit from Under UCLA's Nose
The college football world was buzzing as top-tier prospect Talanoa Ili made his pick between USC and UCLA, with the Land of Troy emerging victorious. This Hawaiian linebacker, hailed as the state's best, made his decision known on Father's Day in a live announcement by 247Sports.
Orange Lutheran alumnus Ili, despite having a strong connection with Southern California, shared his desire to return to perform in front of his family and friends in the heart of Hollywood. His family's faces beamed with pride after his announcement, while USC's recruitment class moved up to the top spot nationally with Ili's joining.
"I see the vision, I trust it, and I want to win a college football national championship with my hometown team," Ili declared.
The Bruins' Fumble: How USC Stepped Ahead
UCLA had initially rallied on the recruitment trail, securing Johnnie Jones, a four-star offensive tackle over Penn State and Florida State on June 10. Even head coach DeShaun Foster flaunted a subtle victory dance after sealing another four-star offensive lineman, Micah Smith. Yet, UCLA found itself suddenly falling behind in the race for Ili – even after making a late-stage push.
According to reports, it was Talanoa Ili's father Glen who played a crucial role in the decisive moment. "Going into the weekend, it was a 'photo finish.' His son and the family genuinely liked both schools. UCLA put up a commendable effort thanks to inside linebackers coach Scott White and an impressive official visit experience, but in the end, fell just short," Los Angeles Daily Breeze reporter Tracy McDannald shared on X.
The Aftermath: USC's Race to 30 Commits
As USC celebrates its success in recruiting Ili, the Trojans are continuing their relentless pursuit in the 2026 class. With Peyton Dyer's verbal pledge marking their last promise from June 8, they're just one commitment away from hitting the coveted 30-recruit threshold, all thanks to Ili's decision.
- The victory of USC over UCLA in the recruitment of Talanoa Ili has given a new edge to college football, with the champions now moving closer to the NCAA football championship.
- Talanoa Ili's decision to join USC over UCLA places American football in the heart of Hollywood, boosting USC's recruitment class and increasing their chances of winning the college football championship.
- Despite UCLA's late-stage push in the recruitment of Talanoa Ili, it was the vision and trust of winning a college football championship that convinced Ili to choose his hometown team, USC – a move that could potentially secure the Trojans their spot among the 30 best recruits in NCAA football.
