Talanoa Ili, a 4-star recruit, is predicted to choose the USC Trojans over the Texas Longhorns in Oregon.

Talanoa Ili is one of the top football recruits of the 2025 class, a player whose talent has earned him a four-star rating and a spot among the elite athletes that college programs across the country have been vying for. As a standout in Oregon, Ili’s recruitment has become a focal point for some of the top football programs, with USC and Texas emerging as the two biggest contenders for his commitment. With his future on the line, the next few months will be pivotal in determining where Ili will play his collegiate football. The decision has garnered significant attention, with many experts predicting that the USC Trojans will come out on top over the Texas Longhorns.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into Ili’s journey, his skills, and what makes him such a coveted prospect. We will also examine why USC is in a strong position to secure his commitment and why Texas, despite its strong program, may fall short.

Who Is Talanoa Ili?

A highly recruited athlete from Oregon, Talanoa Ili has been turning heads for several years with his exceptional skills on the football field. A versatile player, Ili has shown that he can dominate on both sides of the ball, with particular emphasis on his abilities as a linebacker and as a wide receiver.

Ili stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs in at about 225 pounds, a combination of size and athleticism that makes him a nightmare for opponents. His agility, speed, and football IQ are all traits that have contributed to his rise as one of the most coveted recruits in the country.

While Ili is known for his outstanding physical tools, it’s his mental approach to the game that sets him apart from other recruits. A student of the game, Ili has the ability to read plays, adjust on the fly, and make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations. His play recognition, ability to shed blocks, and ability to read offensive schemes make him an ideal linebacker. On offense, Ili’s natural hands and ability to make big plays down the field as a wide receiver have also been a key part of his recruitment profile.

Ili’s Recruitment Process

Ili’s recruitment process has been nothing short of impressive. He has been consistently ranked among the top players in the 2025 class and has garnered attention from some of the biggest football programs in the country. From the moment he first showcased his talents, major schools began to show interest. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon have all pursued Ili, but the two schools that have emerged as the frontrunners are USC and Texas.

From the very beginning, Ili has taken a methodical approach to his recruitment. While he has enjoyed the attention and recognition, he has also been careful to evaluate all his options. Several factors have shaped his decision-making process, and each program has offered unique advantages that have made this decision so challenging.

Why USC Has the Edge

The USC Trojans have long been considered one of the most prestigious college football programs in the nation. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, USC has enjoyed a resurgence, reclaiming its place among the powerhouses of college football. The Trojans have a storied history of success, a strong recruiting base, and a football culture that resonates with high-caliber athletes like Ili.

There are several reasons why USC has emerged as the frontrunner in Ili’s recruitment:

1. Coach Lincoln Riley’s Vision

Lincoln Riley, who took over as USC’s head coach in 2022, has been nothing short of transformative. His arrival has breathed new life into the Trojans’ football program, with an emphasis on an up-tempo offense and a solid defense. Under Riley’s leadership, USC has not only recruited well but has also developed players into NFL-caliber talent. Ili, a player with high aspirations, could see Riley’s vision as the perfect environment to develop his skills further and prepare for the next level.

Riley has a track record of getting the best out of his athletes, particularly on defense. Ili, with his versatile skill set, could thrive under Riley’s tutelage and become a key piece in USC’s defensive schemes.

2. USC’s Football Tradition and Prestige

USC is one of the most successful programs in college football history. The Trojans have won multiple national championships, produced countless NFL players, and built a brand that attracts the best talent in the country. For Ili, playing at a program with such a rich tradition provides the opportunity to make history, continue the program’s legacy, and gain national exposure.

Additionally, the USC football program offers top-tier facilities, resources, and a strong alumni network, all of which play a critical role in Ili’s development both as a player and as a future professional athlete.

3. Proximity to Home

Though Ili hails from Oregon, USC’s location in Southern California is appealing for a variety of reasons. The proximity allows Ili to stay on the West Coast, closer to his family and roots. Moreover, California is a hotbed of football talent, and Ili could thrive in this competitive environment. His decision to stay within the region may give him the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds: proximity to home while playing for one of the most elite programs in the country.

4. USC’s Recent Success on the Recruiting Trail

The Trojans have been on an absolute tear in terms of recruiting, particularly since Lincoln Riley took over. Their ability to bring in top-tier talent and consistently produce NFL-ready players has made them an appealing destination for elite athletes like Ili. The program’s success in this area has been hard to ignore and likely plays a significant role in Ili’s current leaning toward USC.

USC’s reputation for developing players and its growing success in the Pac-12 Conference also gives Ili a platform to showcase his skills on a national stage. This is an opportunity he might find too good to pass up.

Why Texas Could Fall Short

On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns are a program that has been building toward greatness over the past few years. Texas has long been one of the premier programs in college football, and they have a rich tradition of success, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have made impressive strides and have landed numerous top-tier recruits in recent years.

However, despite all their appeal, Texas may face challenges in securing Ili’s commitment:

1. Sarkisian’s Offensive Focus

While Sarkisian has done wonders for Texas’ offense, his focus has largely been on offensive development. The Longhorns have made strides defensively, but they are still working to build a defense that rivals the elite teams of the country. Ili, who is primarily a defensive player, might be drawn to a program with a stronger defensive culture.

While Texas is undoubtedly a competitive program, Ili may feel that USC offers the more complete environment for his growth as a two-way player. The Trojans have a strong defensive tradition that might appeal to Ili more than Texas’ emphasis on offense.

2. A More Crowded Depth Chart

Texas, like many elite programs, already has a stacked roster. While competition can be a positive thing, it can also be daunting for recruits. Ili may see a clearer path to playing time and early development at USC, where the depth chart might not be as crowded as at Texas. This could be a crucial factor in his decision-making process.

3. Geographic Considerations

Although Texas is a prestigious program, Ili’s geographical preference could play a role in his decision. Ili has shown a preference for staying on the West Coast, which places USC in a more favorable position. Traveling to Texas, which is much farther from Oregon, might not align with Ili’s personal preferences and family considerations.

 The USC Trojans Are the Likely Destination

When you take into account the overall package that USC offers—its head coach Lincoln Riley, a storied football tradition, a strong defensive culture, proximity to home, and continued success on the recruiting trail—it’s easy to see why the Trojans are the predicted choice for Talanoa Ili. Though Texas certainly has a strong case, it appears that Ili is leaning toward staying on the West Coast, where USC has the edge in multiple areas.

As Ili nears the end of his recruitment process, the next few months will be crucial in determining where he plays his college football. With all signs pointing toward a decision in favor of the USC Trojans, the future is bright for this outstanding 4-star recruit. If he does indeed commit to USC, Ili will be joining one of the most prestigious programs in the country, where his immense potential can be fully realized.

Whether he ends up in Los Angeles or elsewhere, one thing is for certain: Talanoa Ili has a promising future in football, and whichever program he chooses will benefit greatly from his talents.