One of the best linebackers in the 2026 class has narrowed down his list and the Oklahoma Sooners have a big shot
Over the last year the Oklahoma Sooners have completely changed their identity, but, that's not all good. Instead of the days with Lincoln Riley having an elite offense, they have an elite defense. And, you assumed it would be that way under Brent Venables, one of the best defensive minds in the sport. But, not […]
Over the last year the Oklahoma Sooners have completely changed their identity, but, that's not all good. Instead of the days with Lincoln Riley having an elite offense, they have an elite defense. And, you assumed it would be that way under Brent Venables, one of the best defensive minds in the sport. But, not many could have predicted the offense would be as terrible as it is.
So, the Sooners are working overtime to get their offense on track. They have hired Ben Arbuckle as the new offensive coordinator and brought his quarterback along. The 2025 recruiting class and transfer class also features some pieces that should surely help, too.
But, you don't want to spend all your time on the offense and forget about this elite defense you have. It needs some attention too, that way you can make sure it stays good. They have done that with their 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes.
In the 2026 class, they are getting even closer to landing one of the best linebackers in the country.
Sooners land on top seven list for 2026 LB Talanoa Ili
Talanoa Ili is a top high school linebacker from Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California, in the class of 2026. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he’s big, fast, and strong. His sophomore year in 2023 was solid too, with 51 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Ili’s recruitment took off early, with over 30 offers from schools like USC, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas, and Ohio State. By February 2025, he cut his list to seven, including Oregon, USC, and UCLA, after visits like one to Oregon’s wild 32-31 win over Ohio State in 2024. He’s ranked No. 4 among linebackers and No. 9 overall in California by 247Sports.
He got his first offer from Cal before high school and has kept improving. Ili’s a two-time CIF all-state pick and made MaxPreps’ 2024 Junior All-America Second Team. With two years left in high school, Ili’s already a big deal, combining talent and hard work.
The Sooners would love to have him, and they are getting even closer.
Analyst logs prediction for Oklahoma Sooners to boost 2026 recruiting class with talented playmaker from right down the street
The Oklahoma Sooners are making a strong push for their 2026 recruiting class after a down year with their 2025 class. The Sooners already have four commitments lined up in their '26 class, currently ranked 23rd in the country. It sounds like the Sooners could be adding even more talent to their class. Rivals' National […]
