Five USC Trojans Freshmen on Defense Whose Stock Has Risen in Fall Camp

Which freshmen on defense in the USC Trojans top-ranked recruiting class have seen their stock rise in fall camp.

USC Trojans freshman linebacker Talanoa Ili | USC Trojans on SI

The USC Trojans' No. 1 recruiting class has garnered a ton of attention and rightfully so. It's a special class that became the first non-SEC school to finish atop the rankings in nearly two decades.

USC coach Lincoln Riley has stated this month he expects to feel the presence of their class this season. Here are five freshmen on defense whose stock has risen in fall camp.

Talanoa Ili, Linebacker

USC Trojans freshman linebacker Talanoa Ili | USC Trojans on SI

USC has not landed a linebacker with Talanoa Ili's pedigree coming out of high school in quite some time. He made a name for himself as a freshman playing in the Trinity League and continued to blossom from there. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Ili has a versatile skillset. He can rush the passer or play the traditional off-ball linebacker role.

Any chance veteran players and coaches have had the opportunity to rave about Ili they have taken it. Veterans had glowing reviews at the team's media day earlier in August. USC coach Lincoln Riley recently mentioned the freshman linebacker as a player that has emerged in camp and defensive end Zuriah Fisher pointed to Ili as someone that is setting the tone physically.

Ili will be a key reserve this season but continue to push a group veterans until he is in the starting lineup.

Luke Wafle, Defensive End

USC Trojans freshman defensive end Luke Wafle | USC Trojans freshman defensive end Luke Wafle

In the words of Fisher, Wafle "don't even look like a freshman. He's not playing like a freshman."

Wafle, a New Jersey native, enrolled at USC at the beginning of the year with a ton of notoriety as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class. He was one of the biggest recruiting wins for the program in recent memory and been as good as advertised. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Wafle has an advanced skillset but also a pro approach when it comes to his diet and taking care of his body.

Wafle has continued to push for a starting role in camp and could end up there before his freshman season is all said and done. He is very likely the No. 3 defensive end going into the season opener.

Madden Riordan, Safety

USC Trojans freshman safety Madden Riordan | USC Trojans on SI

Madden Riordan has already exceeded expectations since arriving at USC. He just works hard and lets his game do the talking. Riordan arrived at Southern Cal as a three-star prospect and 155 pounds. He's now up to 180 pounds and showcased the ability that made him a feared defender in the backend for several seasons at Sierra Canyon (Calif.).

Riordan has a quarterback background, and it shows up on the field. His ability to force turnovers and change games is special. Riley has raved about him in the spring and fall camp, while veterans have taken notice of his football intelligence and skillset.

"His maturity and knowledge of the game is really good. I've learned off of everybody but with Maddie, I've actually learned a lot from him," said safety Prophet Brown. "We've grown a great bond, we've learned from each other. His smarts, his savviness, it gets him a long way."

Rock Hill, Cornerback

USC Trojans freshman cornerback Elbert Hill | USC Trojans on SI

Elbert "Rock" Hill was another massive recruiting win for the Trojans in the 2026 class, pulling the Ohio native out west. At every stage since his arrival, Hill has been impressive and that has continued in fall camp.

He is an elite athlete, but his technique is advanced for his age. Hill is another freshman defensive back that has drawn rave reviews from Riley in spring practice and fall camp. He will get his opportunities to prove himself in live games as a key backup and cement himself in the cornerback rotation in Big Ten play.

Tomuhini Topui, Defensive Lineman

USC Trojans freshman defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui and defensive end Braeden Jones | USC Trojans on SI

Tomuhini Topui was a standout in the Trojans first padded practice in the spring and put together a good string of practices. Defensive line coach Skyler Jones was pleased with his progression.

However, the Mater Dei (Calif.) product has elevated to another level in fall camp. He has all the traits to be a disruptive force in the interior of USC's defensive front. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, Topui has a great blend of size, power and quickness. Defensive line is one of the strongest position units on the Trojans roster and Topui is earning a spot in the rotation.

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