USC Football: 2025 OL Recruit "Keeping In Contact" With The Trojans

Valley Christian (San Jose, CA) 2025 offensive lineman Champ Taulealea just wrapped up his junior season last weekend. Taulealea played on both sides of the line of scrimmage, defensive tackle and left tackle. In the final moments of the game, he delivered a big hit (video below) on Saint Ignatius' quarterback, which actually ended up being a completion anyway. But the display of physicality was felt and heard throughout the stadium.

Big hit by 2025 USC OL target @CTaulealea - but not big enough, apparently! pic.twitter.com/e2W58tVTlF
— Matt Solorio (@StripSackLunch) November 11, 2023

In addition to USC, Taulealea has offers from Arizona, ASU, Cal, Tennessee, Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, Colorado, and Texas.

"I've been keeping in contact with Coach Henson, the offensive line coach, Coach Riley," says Taulealea.

As of right now, Taulealea has no scheduled visits, but told us he is "trying to catch that UCLA-USC game at the end of the year." Taulealea said no one school is the "leader" in his recruitment, but said he might come out with a top schools list later in the season.

We also asked Taulealea about his thoughts on Alex Grinch's firing.

"I know mistakes happen, and sometimes coaches gotta step up to the plate," Taulealea said. "But whatever USC has to do to move forward, that's all they gotta do."

The 6'4", 330-pound Taulealea still has one final season left in high school, and has spent most of his career at tackle. However, all the major recruiting networks see him moving to guard in college. After watching him dominate at defensive tackle in the final minutes of the game, this particular outlet would have to agree. At the college level, Taulealea's style of play would seem to translate best to center or guard, given his size and physicality.

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Trojans!