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MUST SEE: USC’s 6-foot-8 giant Elijah Vaikona goes viral during Fresno State game
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- MUST SEE: USC’s 6-foot-8 giant Elijah Vaikona goes viral during Fresno State game
MUST SEE: USC's 6-foot-8 giant Elijah Vaikona goes viral during Fresno State game originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
There are big offensive linemen, and then there is USC tackle Elijah Vaikona. The Trojans' massive redshirt freshman became an instant social media attraction during Friday night's game against Fresno State after the television broadcast offered another look at his remarkable frame.
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Yahoo Sports shared the clip with a simple observation that captured what nearly everyone watching was thinking.
"USC's Elijah Vaikona is a massive human being," Yahoo Sports wrote.
That almost feels like an understatement.
Vaikona is listed at 6-foot-8 and 360 pounds on USC's updated roster, although he previously weighed as much as 385 pounds. Even while surrounded by other Division I football players, the young offensive tackle is nearly impossible to miss.
The visual quickly became one of the most memorable moments from moments from USC's second game of the 2026 season. Vaikona is not simply a novelty, either. He is a developing prospect who could eventually become an important piece of Lincoln Riley's offensive line.
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Who is USC offensive lineman Elijah Vaikona?
Vaikona joined USC as a three-star member of its 2025 recruiting class after playing at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California . He selected the Trojans over programs including UCLA and Washington. His extraordinary size naturally became the first thing recruiting analysts noticed.
"One of the largest humans we've ever seen on a football field," 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins wrote while evaluating Vaikona .
Vaikona appeared in four games during his first season at USC. The Trojans also used him for nine snaps in the Alamo Bowl, including specialized packages designed to take advantage of his enormous frame.
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He entered the 2026 season as part of a deep offensive tackle group. USC returned starters Elijah Paige and Justin Tauanuu while adding talented young linemen Aaron Dunn and Keenyi Pepe to the competition. That depth should allow the Trojans to remain patient with Vaikona as he develops his technique and improves his movement. There are physical traits that cannot be taught, however, and Vaikona already possesses those in abundance.
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Elijah Vaikona Could Become More Than A Viral Sensation
Vaikona's appearance attracted attention Friday, but the long-term intrigue comes from what USC could eventually do with him. At 6-foot-8, he has the length to create problems for edge rushers before they can reach his body. His weight gives him the potential to overwhelm defenders in the running game and make him especially valuable in short-yardage situations.
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The former basketball player still must prove he has the agility and consistency to handle Big Ten pass rushers. If his technique catches up with his size, USC could have an unusually imposing tackle on its hands.
For one night, though, Vaikona did not need to throw a block to get college football fans talking.
He only needed to appear on camera.
