Elite 2026 defender has locked in his official visit to Oregon

Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, and now one of their top defensive targets has locked in his official visit. On the offensive side, the Ducks have lost 4-star QB Jonas Williams to USC, but their quarterback recruiting is still in great shape. Oregon is in a strong position for 5-star Jared Curtis and has a real shot at landing 5-star Ryder Lyons, who is technically a 2027 recruit. But now, Oregon has secured a key official visit from one of the nation’s top defenders.

Elite 4-star linebacker Talanoa Ili has locked in his official visit to Oregon for June 22nd. This means Oregon will get the last visit before his potential commitment. After his junior day visit, he told me Oregon was his leader, and that is still the case, though USC is making a strong push after a recent visit. Ili’s recruitment is competitive, and his upcoming visits will help him decide.

Ili is listed as a linebacker, but Oregon is actually recruiting him as an outside linebacker/edge rusher. This might be surprising, but he plays all over the defense at his high school and has great potential at the position. He’s 6'3, 215 pounds and will need to add weight, but Oregon will most likely use him similarly to Teitum Tuioti. His versatility would make him a valuable piece in Tosh Lupoi's defense.

Oregon is in a strong spot right now, but Ili also plans to visit BYU, USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and UCLA. According to his 247Sports scouting report, Ili is "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. Has looked really good at a pair of off-season events- 7v7 tourney and LB Showcase. Productive and earned 1st team all-league honors after both freshman and sophomore seasons in highly competitive Trinity League. Very active with non-stop motor. High football IQ, can quickly read, diagnose and go. Could grow in to an edge rusher down the road but has the athleticism to stay at linebacker and can play inside or outside. Was clocked at 20.2 MPH on the Catapult GPS Sept 8 when the Lancers played Chandler (Ariz.). A complete, every down linebacker with a very high ceiling."

Ili would be a 5-star if there were the usual 32 rankings this early, as his highest ranking is No. 31 nationally by 247Sports. He is also ranked No. 54 on ESPN, No. 56 on Rivals, and surprisingly low at No. 190 on On3. Regardless, Oregon has made Ili a top priority, and it’s hard to see them letting him get away. With his official visit set, the Ducks will have a prime chance to lock him in as one of their top defensive recruits.