2026 class three-star Viliami Moala confirms his commitment to Lincoln Riley's USC

Four-star defensive lineman Viliami Moala, from Bingham High School in South Jordan, committed to USC's 2026 class. He chose Lincoln Riley's program over Oregon, Tennessee, UCLA, Miami, Utah, Arkansas, BYU and Iowa State, among others.

Moala shared the news of commitment on X, tagging USC's co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson, defensive end coach Shaun Nua, assistant director Aaron Amaama and senior associate athletic director Dave Emerick.

"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!!!✌🏾 My Recruitment is shut down! #FTFO @Coach_Henny @CoachNua @AaronAmaama @DaveEmerickUSC1 @uscfb."

According to 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, the 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive lineman is a "straight-line bull rusher" who shows good hand usage and a quick first step.

Viliami Moala is ranked by On3 Industry Ranking as the No. 339 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 34 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 6 recruit in Utah.

Viliami Moala shares reasons behind his commitment to USC

USC first entered the mix with Viliami Moala after he visited the campus in May, followed by a return trip this spring. While Oregon was also a top contender due to multiple visits to Eugene, the Trojans made a strong impression during his game-day visit on Saturday.

No. 13 USC's phenomenal defense achieved its first shutout since 2011, defeating Utah State 48-0. Moala expressed his admiration for the incredible experience and the treatment he received from the Trojans.

"One thing that stood out to me the most was just the love from everybody," Moala said via 247Sports. "They treated me like I'm already a Trojan. They want me there and you can tell that by how they interacted with us.

"It was the first USC game that I've been to and I was really impressed with everyone, with how they talked to us and how they treated my family."

Shaun Nua was Moala's primary recruiter, and he pursued the player for his pledge.

"Coach Shaun Nua is great and a big reason why I am so excited about USC," Moala said. "He's a great coach and a great teacher, but he also cares about his players off the field and that means a lot to me. The defensive line is playing great and I know that he's a coach that would get the best out of me."

Lincoln Riley and the coaching staff ensured the final push to make him feel like "home."

“Meeting Coach Riley and the rest of their staff, they treated me and my family with so much love and respect. It was just different and I knew it was home for me,” Moala added.

Moala's addition brings a boost to USC's 2026 class, which ranks No. 6 in the nation, up from No. 15. The cycle boasts six committed players, including Moala, Xavier Griffin, Ja'Myron Baker, Brandon Lockhart, Madden Riordan and Joshua Holland.