Three-star offensive tackle Elijah Vaikona sets commitment date, USC in final three

Rancho Santa Margarita (California) three-star offensive tackle Elijah Vaikona has set a commitment date of July 2. His final three schools include USC, UCLA and Washington.

Vaikona is rated as the No. 118 offensive tackle in the 2025 class and the 136th-best player in the state of California regardless of position.

He received a USC offer back early this month and also holds offers from BYU, Colorado State, Arizona State, Cal, Colorado, Arkansas, San Diego State and Utah.

At 6-8 and over 350 pounds, Vaikona would come to USC with the heft and size the Trojans are looking for.

He has seen his stock steadily rise this spring and summer as more schools have gotten a look at his feet, athleticism and nastiness. Josh Henson needs to make statements on the recruiting trail. This might not be a grand slam-level splash, but by beating out two other West Coast schools which are joining USC in moving to the Big Ten, this would be a good “turf war” win for Henson to have, helping USC keep an in-state prospect home and showing it can retain quality recruits in California.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Check out more NFL draft coverage with the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub.