06-05-2025
Historic College Football Program Makes Huge Move for No. 1 Player in Hawaii
The top prospect in Hawaii received a renown visitor during the weekend of May 4. In the process, this historic college football program took a huge step in trying to land this talent for the 2026 class.
USC continues to court linebacker Talanoa Ili. He rose to the No. 1 prospect ranking among Hawaiian recruits following his transfer to Kahuku High School. Ili originally starred for Orange Lutheran near USC's backyard.
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But here's how the Trojans are now courting Ili: USC sent prized newcomer assistant Rob Ryan to the island. The brand new linebackers coach wasn't alone either on the trip. Defensive line coach Shaun Nua is also in Hawaii. Both Nua and Ryan were photographed interacting with Ili's family outside -- with Glen Ili sharing the picture via X.
Sep 30, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) meets with USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) after the game at Folsom Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Nua is no stranger to making trips during the month of May. He's given the luxury of travel as the NCAA has entered the spring evaluation period. This is the time when assistant coaches can visit schools to check in on recruits.
But Ryan is taking part in his first spring evaluation period since joining USC. The 62-year-old last visited schools during a time he ran the Oklahoma State defense from 1997 to 1999. The Cowboys represented his last college football job before joining Lincoln Riley and his staff ahead of the '25 season.
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The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Ili is earning rave reviews for his stout play at linebacker. Greg Biggins of 247Sports is one who takes a liking to Ili's stardom.
"Probably best all around linebacker in state right now, regardless of class. Long, athletic 6-3, 215 pound frame and still growing. Can rush off the edge, play in space and drop and cover. Twitchy kid who plays fast but under control," the national recruiting analyst shared in his evaluation of Ili.
Ili is "warm" on USC. But there are other powerhouses courting him. The Trojans Big Ten rival Oregon is also on Ili's short list. Same with Southeastern Conference representatives Texas and Oklahoma. National title game runner-up Notre Dame is the last school in the mix for Ili.
But the duo of Ryan and Nua are making the pivotal step in getting to know Ili's family before he makes his decision. Which is a welcoming sign for USC fans monitoring Ili's recruiting period.
Related: No. 1 Ohio Recruit Chooses Historic College Football Program Over Ohio State
