USC’s freshman class on defense already has a few names that jump off the page, but the Trojans are also looking at the next wave - the young defenders who could turn a strong fall camp into real roles.
Talanoa Ili sits near the top of that group. USC has returned starters Desman Stephens and Jadyn Walker and added Washington transfer Deven Bryant, but Ili is the kind of linebacker who can force his way into the conversation. At 6-3 and 225 pounds, he brings the kind of size and athleticism that can play at any linebacker spot, and his résumé backs up the hype: a first team All-Trinity League pick as a freshman and Hawaii Player of the Year honors last fall as a senior.
Linebackers coach Mike Ekeler didn’t hold back on what he sees in him: “He can move around a lot. He is extremely talented and super instinctive. There's nothing I don't like about that guy,” said linebacker coach Mike Ekeler.
At the very least, Ili looks like a strong bet to help on special teams. If camp goes well, he could push for more than that.
Cornerback Elbert Hill has been just as hard to miss. Rated the No. 1 cornerback in the 2026 class, the Ohio native arrived in January and has drawn rave reviews ever since. Coaches and veterans came away impressed in spring practice, and the early read is that he’s already far more polished than most freshmen at his position.
Riley pointed to Hill’s instincts for the football: “He really is aggressive in terms of having a feel for making plays on the ball at that position,” Riley said. “Some corners are out there just to cover, and some guys are out there actually trying to really make plays on the ball.”
Cornerback coach Trovon Reed went even further: “The sky's the limit for that kid. That kid does some stuff that if he was in the NFL Combine today, he'll look the best and he's 18 years old,” said cornerback coach Trovon Reed.
“He's still a baby out there. He's still growing, but he's a baller.
He's everything that was advertised coming out of high school, and it's only a matter of time before fans be screaming No. 2’s name.”
That makes Hill one of the most interesting players to watch in a fall camp battle that could get crowded fast. He’s still developing, but he’s already pushing the room.
Safety Madden Riordan also made his presence felt in the spring. The Sierra Canyon product built a reputation for takeaways in high school, and that knack showed up again when USC was short-handed at safety because of injuries. His long-term outlook still points more toward 2027 and beyond, but the ball skills are impossible to ignore.
Riley praised how quickly he has adjusted: “He's smart, and he makes plays. The guy has really picked up the system fast even though he's a young guy,” Riley said.
“We knew there was going to be some physical development to go with him. We knew he was a very cerebral player and if you go back to his high school career, the guy always made plays on the ball.
“It felt like he got interceptions every single game, and he’s done that not every single practice, but he’s had his fair share out here," he continued. "He breaks on the ball fast.
He diagnoses routes. He communicates well.
He plays fast because he’s confident mentally in what he’s doing, and that’s his advantage."
“We have to continue to put weight on him and get him stronger, but he’s impressive. He goes in there from a mental standpoint and operates like a vet.”
Up front, Tomuhini Topui brings the kind of frame that can change a rotation. The Mater Dei lineman checks in at 6-3 and 325 pounds, and USC brought him in because of what he might be able to do right away. Skyler Jones sees a player who can win in more than one way.
“Tom is super twitchy. Tom has a really good first step where he can just get off the ball and go,” said defensive line coach Skyler Jones.
“He got a track runner first step. He does a good job getting off the ball, being able to penetrate gaps, but he also does a great job of playing with his hands, striking blocks, being able to anchor it as well.
“And even if we're doing movements, good lateral steps and being able to quickly get back vertical upfield.”
Then there are the two defensive ends who look the part the moment they walk in the room. Simote Katoanga is listed at 6-5 and 270 pounds, while Braeden Jones comes in at 6-4 and 265. Both have the size to stand out immediately, and both could become useful depth pieces in year one - something USC didn’t have enough of at the position last season.
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