Trojans Seize Commitment From Big Four-Star Lineman

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The No. 11 USC Trojans (2-0) continue to gain momentum on the recruiting trail, particularly with defensive players, as their defense in 2024 is reinvigorated under the stewardship of new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn.

On Sept. 10, defensive lineman Viliami Moala committed to USC. Rated by ESPN as the No. 12 DL in the 2026 cycle, Moala chose USC over Miami, Oregon and Utah.

"First and foremost I wanna thank all the coaches that have recruited me since my journey began, with that being said I'm proud to say I'm a TROJAN," Moala wrote on X. "My recruitment is shut down."

USC defensive ends coach Shaun Nua was the primary Trojans representative responsible for Moala's recruitment.

"To be honest, man, I always loved USC," Moala said. "They've always been my dream school. My first visit to USC they brought me on campus and that's when I got my offer my sophomore year. I just felt at home and ... it's a great environment and I want to be around it."

Scouting Viliami Moala

As a high school junior, Moala is 6-foot-2 and weighs 305 pounds. He attends Bingham High School in Salt Lake City.

At the prep level, Moala plays on both sides of the ball. He excels as an interior offensive lineman, and in the words of 247Sports, he is a "very physical and ... punishing run blocker." He moves well laterally, provides excellent protection in the passing game and generally dominates high school opponents.

On defense, he often beats opposing linemen with his quick first step. However, he also deploys raw power, operating effectively as "a straight-line bull rusher." He plays various positions along the defensive line but appears most comfortable when lining up as a nose tackle. He is often double-teamed.

Moala projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level.

Trojans 2026 Class

With Moala's commitment, USC's 2026 class is rated by 247Sports as the No. 4 class nationally in the 2026 cycle, behind only Florida State, Auburn and Penn State.

Moala joins four-star pledges Xavier Griffin (hybrid linebacker/edge rusher), Brandon Lockhart (defensive back) and Ja'Myron Baker (wide receiver) in the Trojans' 2026 class.