FINALLY: BYU Cougars lands No. 3 Best Linebacker in America Four-star LB Commits, Chooses BYU Cougars over Top SEC and National Powerhouses big offers, Ohio State, Florida, Miami…
BYU football has secured a monumental recruiting win with the commitment of Talanoa Ili, a four-star linebacker ranked as the No. 3 linebacker in the nation for the class of 2026. The 6’4”, 220-pound defensive standout from Orange, California, had offers from some of the biggest programs in college football, including Ohio State, Florida, Miami, and Oregon, as well as several powerhouse SEC schools. However, Ili chose to bring his superstar potential to Provo, making him one of the highest-rated recruits to ever commit to the Cougars.
This commitment is a testament to the recruiting efforts of head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff, who have been steadily raising BYU’s profile in the college football landscape. The Cougars have long been known for producing hard-nosed, disciplined defensive players, and Ili fits that mold perfectly. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence makes him a game-changer at the linebacker position, and he has all the tools to be a dominant force in BYU’s defense for years to come.
What Ili Brings to BYU
- At 6’4” and 220 pounds, Ili possesses the ideal frame for a modern linebacker. He’s long, rangy, and explosive, with the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline to sideline. His tape shows a player with elite instincts—he diagnoses plays quickly, attacks the ball with aggression, and has the athleticism to drop into coverage when needed. Whether it’s stopping the run, rushing the passer, or covering tight ends and running backs in space, Ili can do it all.One of his biggest strengths is his versatility. He can line up as a traditional middle linebacker, an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, or even play as a hybrid edge rusher in certain packages. This flexibility will allow BYU’s defensive coaches to use him in multiple ways, making him a key chess piece in their defensive schemes. His frame suggests he could still add more weight and strength, making him even more of a problem for opposing offenses.
BYU’s Growing Recruiting Momentum
Landing a player of Ili’s caliber is a major milestone for BYU. While the Cougars have consistently developed strong defensive talent, they have often struggled to compete with top-tier programs in recruiting. However, Ili’s commitment signals that BYU is becoming a legitimate destination for elite prospects. Winning a head-to-head battle against programs like Ohio State, Florida, and Miami proves that BYU is no longer just a developmental program—it’s a school where top recruits believe they can thrive.
A commitment like this can also have a ripple effect. Other high-profile recruits may take notice, and it could help BYU continue building momentum on the recruiting trail. As the Cougars transition further into their Big 12 era, securing talent like Ili will be crucial in competing with top teams.
Looking Ahead
With Talanoa Ili now in the fold, BYU’s defense is adding a player with the potential to be a future All-American. His impact will be felt early, and his presence on the field will elevate the entire defense. Cougar fans have plenty to be excited about—the future in Provo is looking brighter than ever.
