In a major recruiting coup, the Oregon Ducks have landed 4-star linebacker Talanoa Ili, beating out the USC Trojans in the process. Ili, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound standout from Kahuku, Hawaii, is widely regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.
Ili’s decision to commit to Oregon is a significant boost to the Ducks’ recruiting efforts, and provides a major addition to the team’s defense. The Ducks have been looking to build a strong and deep defense, and Ili’s talent and athleticism make him an ideal fit.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committing to the University of Oregon,” Ili said in a statement. “The Ducks have a rich tradition of excellence, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Coach Lanning and his staff have shown me a lot of love and support, and I feel like they genuinely care about me as a person.”
Ili is a dominant force on the field, with a strong combination of size, speed, and agility. He is a consensus 4-star recruit and is widely regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country. Ili’s commitment to Oregon is a significant boost to the program’s recruiting efforts, and provides a major addition to the team’s defense.
“Talanoa is an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic,” said Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. “We’re thrilled to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success. He’s a game-changer, and we believe he would be a great fit for our team.”
Ili’s decision to commit to Oregon is also a testament to the program’s growing reputation as a destination for top talent. The Ducks have been building a strong recruiting class, and Ili’s addition is a major coup for the staff.
“We’re excited to have Talanoa join our program,” Lanning said. “He’s a talented player who is committed to helping us build a championship program. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
In terms of the impact on the Ducks’ roster, Ili’s commitment provides a significant boost to the team’s defense. The Ducks have been looking to build a strong and deep defense, and Ili’s talent and athleticism make him an ideal fit.
“Talanoa is a talented linebacker who can come in and compete for playing time right away,” Lanning said. “He’s got the size, speed, and agility to be a dominant force in the Pac-12. We’re excited to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
Ili’s commitment is also a significant boost to the Ducks’ recruiting momentum. The program has been building a strong recruiting class, and Ili’s addition is a major coup for the staff.
“We’re thrilled to have Talanoa join our program,” Lanning said. “He’s a talented player who is committed to helping us build a championship program. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
In conclusion, the Oregon Ducks have landed a major recruit in 4-star linebacker Talanoa Ili, beating out the USC Trojans in the process. Ili’s talent and athleticism make him an ideal fit for the Ducks, and his commitment provides a significant boost to the team’s defense. With Ili on board, the Ducks are poised to make a major push in the Pac-12 and beyond.