In a significant recruiting shake-up, four-star safety Isala Aisa Wily-Ava has flipped his commitment to the Oregon Ducks, giving Dan Lanning and his staff a major win on the recruiting trail. The 2027 standout originally committed to USC but announced over the weekend that he will now continue his football journey in Eugene, sending a wave of excitement through the Ducks’ fanbase.
Wily-Ava, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound defensive back out of Honolulu, Hawaii, is widely regarded as one of the top safeties in the 2027 class. Known for his physicality, elite instincts, and ball-hawking ability, he’s a game-changer on the back end of the defense. He’s currently ranked among the top 10 safeties nationally and is one of the highest-rated defensive players on the West Coast.
The flip to Oregon came after Wily-Ava’s unofficial visit to Eugene earlier this spring, where he reportedly built strong connections with the Ducks’ coaching staff and was impressed by the program’s defensive vision. His relationship with Oregon defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi played a key role in his decision.
“Oregon feels like the right fit for me,” Wily-Ava said in a statement. “The culture, the coaching, the energy—it all stood out. Coach Lanning and his staff showed me how I can be developed into an elite player and compete at the highest level.”
The Ducks have made defensive recruiting a top priority, and Wily-Ava’s commitment only strengthens their future secondary. With his size, speed, and versatility, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of Oregon’s defense and contribute early once he arrives on campus.
For USC, losing Wily-Ava is a tough blow, as the Trojans had hoped to build their 2027 class around the talented Hawaiian defender. While recruiting in the long-term can often shift, Wily-Ava’s flip is a clear sign that Oregon continues to gain momentum on the West Coast and in key national battles.
This move also highlights Oregon’s growing presence in Hawaii, a talent-rich state the Ducks have successfully recruited from in recent years. Their ability to connect with players and families from the islands—combined with a proven development path and national brand—is setting them up to contend for top recruits across the board.
With Wily-Ava now committed, Oregon’s 2027 class gains a major leader and tone-setter on defense. As the Ducks prepare for the future in the Big Ten, adding elite prospects like Isala Aisa Wily-Ava shows the program is ready to not just compete—but dominate on the national stage.