USC Signs Four-Star Tackle Vlad Dyakonov, Bolstering an Already Stacked 2026 Offensive Line Class
USC just added another major piece to its offensive future. On the opening day of the Early Signing Period, the Trojans officially inked a letter of intent from four-star offensive lineman Vlad Dyakonov - one of California’s top trench prospects in the 2026 class. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Dyakonov brings size, athleticism, and a rapidly developing skill set to a USC offensive line group that’s quickly becoming one of the deepest in the country.
How USC Landed Dyakonov
The road to Dyakonov’s commitment started early - and it started with familiarity. Offensive line coach Zach Hanson has made Folsom High School a recruiting priority over the years, going back to his time as USC’s tight ends coach.
He flipped Nela Tupou in the 2025 cycle and landed Walker Lyons back in 2023. So when Dyakonov emerged on the radar as a raw but high-upside tackle prospect, Hanson was quick to make a move.
Despite being relatively new to football, Dyakonov drew an impressive offer sheet that included programs like Arizona State, Boise State, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Stanford, Texas A&M, UCLA, Utah, and Washington. But USC made its case early and convincingly, locking in his commitment in April and holding firm through the finish line.
Even with some late pressure - including a recruiting push from his quarterback, Ryder Lyons, a BYU commit and former USC target - Dyakonov stayed true to the Trojans.
A Prospect on the Rise
Dyakonov’s development over the past year has been nothing short of impressive. Originally a three-star recruit, he’s climbed the rankings to become a consensus four-star and one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in the class.
Here’s how he stacks up in the rankings:
- No. 242 overall prospect nationally
- No. 23 offensive tackle
- No. 23 player in California (per 247Sports)
He’s also rated as the No. 156 overall prospect and No. 17 recruit in another composite ranking, showing just how much ground he’s gained as evaluators have gotten a closer look.
What Dyakonov Brings to the Trojans
Versatility is the name of the game for Dyakonov. While he projects as a tackle at the next level - likely starting out on the right side - he’s shown the ability to play all five spots along the offensive line. At Folsom, he lined up at both right and left tackle, and that experience could pay off early at USC as he cross-trains and finds his best fit.
With USC expected to return all five starting offensive linemen in 2026, Dyakonov won’t be rushed into action. Instead, he’ll enter a competitive room with depth, including redshirt freshmen Elijah Vaikona, Aaron Dunn, and Alex Payne - all of whom were former four-star recruits themselves. Dyakonov will likely need a year of development before pushing for meaningful snaps, but the long-term upside is clear.
A High-Ceiling Athlete with NFL Tools
Dyakonov’s physical profile jumps off the page. He’s got the kind of frame college coaches dream of - long, athletic, and still filling out.
Over the past year, he’s added 20 pounds of muscle without sacrificing any of his movement skills. That’s a rare combo, especially for someone still relatively new to the sport.
He plays with a nasty streak - finishing blocks, playing through the whistle, and routinely driving defenders into the turf. He’s also shown the ability to get to the second level and handle both run- and pass-blocking assignments with poise.
One of the more interesting wrinkles in Dyakonov’s background: he grew up in Belarus and competed in gymnastics and wrestling before transitioning to football. That multi-sport background shows up in his balance, coordination, and body control - all traits that translate well to the offensive line.
And while he’s still refining the technical side of his game, the physical tools are already there. With continued development, Dyakonov has the potential to be an anchor on the Trojans’ line - and maybe even beyond.
Bottom Line
USC’s 2026 offensive line class was already one of the most promising in the country. Adding Vlad Dyakonov only strengthens that foundation. He’s a high-upside, physically gifted lineman with the versatility to play multiple spots and the competitive edge to thrive in a deep, talented room.
He may not be an instant-impact guy, but give him time - Dyakonov could be a name Trojan fans hear a lot more of in the years to come.