Rob Ryan Drops Instant Reaction After 4-Star Chooses USC originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Rob Ryan earned a new reason to celebrate Father’s Day. He just reeled in his biggest verbal commitment since joining USC.
Four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili chose the Trojans over rival UCLA Sunday. Ili announced his decision via a live feed from 247Sports. His mother, father and younger sister all broke into smiles after he made his choice.
And his decision got Ryan flexing, literally.
The new linebackers coach posted an immediate reaction after grabbing Ili. He took to Instagram celebrating the recruiting win.
“Fire me up on a Sunday Trojan nation!!!!” Ryan posted via his personal IG account and USC football’s account. He’s scowling while flexing his muscles.
Ryan left behind a lengthy run in the NFL to join Lincoln Riley and his USC coaching staff for 2025. The 62-year-old hasn’t coached at the collegiate level since the 1999 season while with Oklahoma State. He spent three seasons running the Cowboys defense in Stillwater before heading back to the NFL.
Ryan brings two Super Bowl rings in tow to Downtown Los Angeles. Many wondered if Ryan would re-adjust to the college game — especially in an era dominated by NIL and the transfer portal.
Ryan, however, heavily courted Ili throughout his recruiting process. He flew to Hawaii alongside USC assistant Shaun Nua to visit with Ili and his family during the NCAA spring evaluation period. USC then rolled out the red carpet for him during his June 7 visit.
Ili is now the third-highest ranked verbal commit for USC’s 2026 class per 247Sports. He’s also the Trojans’ 18th four-star.
Related: Brother of Penn State Transfer Could Commit to USC Following Visit
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
