USC football lands commitment from 4-star defensive lineman

While the 2024 USC football season is only two weeks old, head coach Lincoln Riley and his coaching staff still have their eyes on the future. Finding the next wave of talent to bring to Los Angeles remains a year-round priority for the Trojans and on Tuesday, they picked up a verbal commitment from a standout defenisve lineman.

Viliami Moala, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive tackle from Salt Lake City, Utah has given his pledge to the USC football program. He shared the news Tuesday with a post on social media.

"First and foremost I wanna thank all the coaches that have recruited me since my journey began," his post says, "with that being said I’m proud to say I’m a TROJAN!!! My Recruitment is shut down!

According to the 247Sports.com composite rankings, Moala is a 4-star prospect and the No. 37 defensive lineman in the class of 2026. He's also ranked as the No. 6 player in Utah and the No. 349 overall player in America.

Moala has an impressive offer list. In addition to his offer from USC, he also holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Iowa State, Miami, Tennessee, UCLA, Utah, and others.

Greg Biggins of 247Sports.com has the following scouting report on Moala.

"Moala is a dominant two-way player who is getting looked at equally as a nose guard as well as center/offensive guard in college. On the offensive line, he’s a road grader, very physical and a punishing run blocker. He plays with a mean streak and has just the right amount of nastiness you want to see in the trenches. He’s a good pass blocker as well, light on his feet, moves well laterally and has a strong punch that can jar an opposing tackle. Defensively, he’s more of a straight-line bull rusher but shows good hands and a quick first step. He’s a true nose who can handle double teams, stuff the run and win one-on-one matchups with his strength and toughness. Projects as a high Power 4 prospect who should be able to compete for early playing time in college."

USC is already putting together a solid recruiting class for the 2026 cycle. With six players committed, the class is ranked 4th in the nation.

Moala is the first defensive lineman to commit in the '26 class but he certainly won't be the last. There are four upperclassmen manning this year's defensive tackle rotation and three of them are seniors. Thus, replenishing the talent at that position will be important.

Of course, Moala won't arrive on campus for two years. Still, his presence in the USC recruiting class is a great development as the Trojans continue to shake the program's reputation of emphasizing offense over defense.