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USC Football News: Former Trojans Linebacker Target Decommits From Stanford

A new potential Trojan.

Martand Bhagavatula

In this story:

Four-star linebacker and Trojan football target Naki Tuakoi has decommitted from Stanford, per his Twitter. 

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Tuakoi is a 6'4", 222-pound LB/DE from Northern California, where he's finishing up his high school ball at Fremont Senior in Oakland. 

Per Mitch Stevens of SI, 

"The 4-star recruit, rated the No. 24 edge rusher in the nation and No. 29 recruit overall in California according to 247Sports, committed to Stanford in June.

"He has 18 offers overall and took official visits to Arizona and Stanford in June, before picking the Cardinal on June 12."

Tuakoi holds an offer from USC, as the Trojans demonstrated their interest back in January of 2023.

Outside of Stanford, he's only officially visited Arizona, per Kevin Borba of SI, meaning the Trojans would be a bit of a longshot for him to necessarily flip his commitment to Southern Cal.  

That said, it's a situation absolutely worth monitoring as USC is well within the realm of possibilities, but we'll get a better look in the coming weeks as he begins taking additional visits. 

With regards to USC's need for Tuakoi, it's without much need for explanation. The defense has been porous for the past few seasons, and picking up a versatile LB/DE is precisely the type of addition the Trojans need to make if they want to compete in the Big Ten next season, and beyond. 

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Martand Bhagavatula
MARTAND BHAGAVATULA

Martand is currently a student at the University of Southern California, and has prior experience in the NIL space, sports financial advisory, and publishing in sports analytics. As a Lakers, Chargers, and Angels fan, he often finds himself disappointed.

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