Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans staff have already been hard at work building the 2026 recruiting class. They have been all over the state of California this week, and just yesterday, Riley paid a visit to 2026 5-Star QB Ryder Lyons.
While there has been a clear emphasis made on California recruiting, and rightfully so, you have to be able to recruit nationally, and obviously, the state of Texas is a hotbed for talent.
Texas 4-star defensive lineman Tiki Hola announced his Top 5 schools back on January 12, and the USC Trojans were among the five, along with Texas, Oregon, SMU, and Notre Dame.
Tiki Hola Puts USC Trojans In Top 5
Hola took visits to USC, Oregon, and Texas this last season, and he has heard from the Trojans, Longhorns, and Notre Dame about attending Junior Days, according to On3.
While the USC Trojans may be in the Top 5, where do they actually sit in regard to the Top 5 teams?
According to an On3 interview, his hometown team of Texas is currently at the top.
“I look at relationships,” Hola told On3. “That’s always what I’ve looked at since my freshman year, since I started my recruiting process. Not only does my relationship with my position coach – who is going to be my coach throughout my four years – matter, but also having a relationship with the head coach is big for me.
“Also, I am looking at the development that a school can give me and how I can become a better person and a better player there. The last thing is where I fit on the depth chart and how valuable I feel on the team.”
While Texas may be the leader for Hola right now, this quote should give Trojans fans some confidence.
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When it comes to both player development and building relationships, Coach Henderson is one of the best in the game, just ask anyone who has played for him and been recruited by him.
Also, while Lincoln Riley’s cup of tea may be the offense, don’t think for a second that he is not involved in the recruitment of defensive players.
If you remember, one of the biggest reasons why defensive lineman Floyd Boucard committed to USC this past fall was because of his relationship with Riley, and how committed he was, as a head coach, to build a relationship.
The 6’2.5″, 285-pound Tiki Hola is the 32nd-ranked defensive lineman in the 2026 class, per On3.