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2026 State of HI Football Recruits: Unveiling the Top Athletes and Their College Commitments

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

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Hawaii’s Football Stars: Tracking Commitments and Future prospects

The islands of Hawaii are a breeding ground for remarkable athletic talent, especially in football. Across the 12 Western states, hawaii consistently produces players who catch the attention of top college programs nationwide. This report provides an in-depth look at the top-rated high school football recruits from Hawaii, focusing on those with three-star ratings or higher, and details where their athletic journeys will take them next.

Rising Stars: A Look at Hawaii’s Top Recruits

Several promising athletes from Hawaii have already committed to prestigious universities, while others are still considering their options. The following list details each player’s position, 247Sports rating, high school, hometown, and current commitment status. The landscape of college football is rapidly changing, with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals becoming increasingly importent in recruitment – a factor these young athletes and their families are undoubtedly weighing.

Player Position Rating High School City Committed To
Talanoa Ili LB .9597 Kahuku Kahuku USC
Malakai Lee OT .9359 Kamehameha Honolulu Michigan
Taimane Purcell TE .8856 Kamehameha Honolulu Cal
Kamo’i Huihui-White OL .8833 St. Louis Honolulu Cal
Nainoa Lopes QB .8800 St. Louis Honolulu Cal
Kekua Aumua TE .8767 Kahuku kahuku Florida
Koloi Keli OL .8711 Farrington Honolulu Oregon
Madden Soliai S .8700 Kahuku Kahuku UCLA
Trehsyn Fesili LB .8700 Mililani Mililani UNLV
Esaiah Wong OT .8656 Kailua Kailua Cal
Malaki Soliai-Tui LB .8633 Kahuku Kahuku UCLA
Ejay Tapeni DL .8600 Mililani Mililani
Packs Ahovelo OT .8500 Kailua Kailua CSU
Tainoa Lave ATH .8500 James campbell Ewa Beach SDSU
Kamuela Wilhelm OT .8500 Punahou Honolulu SJSU
Uluaki Tatafu OT .8500 Kailua Kailua
Jordan Nunuha WR .8400 St. Louis Honolulu
Benjamin Honebein Edge .8400 Kailua Kailua UC Davis
Matai Fuiava QB .8400 Kahuku Kahuku
Jahren Altura ATH .8400 St. Louis Honolulu Hawai’i
Luke VanAntwerp What are the key positions within the 2026 Hawaii football recruiting class that are expected to draw critically important college interest?

2026 State of HI Football Recruits: Unveiling the Top Athletes and Their College Commitments

Rising Stars: Top 2026 Football Prospects in Hawaii

Hawaii consistently produces exceptional football talent, and the Class of 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. While the 2025 class boasts names like jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Pupu Sepulona (as of August 20, 2025, according to 247Sports), attention is now turning to the next wave of Hawaiian football stars. Identifying these athletes early is crucial for college recruitment and for fans following the progress of future gridiron heroes. This article dives into the emerging talent within the 2026 Hawaii high school football landscape, focusing on potential college commitments and key player profiles.

Key Positions to Watch in the 2026 Class

Several positions are especially strong within the 2026 recruiting class in Hawaii. Keep an eye on these areas:

Offensive Line: Hawaiian offensive linemen are known for their size, strength, and athleticism.Expect several prospects to attract significant interest from pac-12, Big 12, and perhaps SEC programs.

linebacker: The state has a history of producing hard-hitting, instinctual linebackers. These players are ofen highly sought after by defensive-minded college coaches.

Wide Receiver: Speed and agility are hallmarks of Hawaiian wide receivers, making them attractive targets for pass-heavy offenses.

defensive End/Edge Rushers: Pass rushers with size and quickness are always in demand, and Hawaii is developing several promising prospects in this area.

Early Standouts & Potential College fits

While it’s still early in the recruiting process, several names are generating buzz. Note: commitment information is fluid and subject to change. As of August 20, 2025, confirmed commitments are limited for the 2026 class.

Koa Kaulukukui (QB, Punahou School): A dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and impressive mobility. Early interest from programs like Boise State and Nevada. Possesses excellent leadership qualities.

Isaiah Sopoaga (OT, Saint Louis School): A massive offensive tackle with a developing skillset. Already receiving attention from Pac-12 schools looking to bolster their offensive line. Projected as a Power Five offensive tackle.

Malik Kanahele (LB, Kamehameha Schools): A physical and aggressive linebacker with a nose for the football. Showing potential as a disruptive force in the middle of the defense. Early offers from UNLV and Hawaii.

Keanu Moana (WR, Mililani high School): A speedy and elusive wide receiver with excellent hands. A deep threat who can stretch the field. receiving interest from several Mountain West Conference programs.

Jaxson Kauwe (DE, Kahuku High School): A powerful defensive end with a relentless motor. Excels at getting after the quarterback. Showing promise as a pass-rushing specialist.

The Impact of 7-on-7 Leagues & Camps

The rise of 7-on-7 football leagues and college showcase camps has considerably impacted the recruiting process for Hawaiian athletes.These events provide valuable exposure to college coaches and allow players to demonstrate their skills in a competitive habitat.

Exposure Opportunities: Camps like the Polynesian Bowl Combine and the Pylon 7-on-7 Championships are crucial for gaining visibility.

Skill Development: 7-on-7 leagues help refine passing game skills for quarterbacks and receivers, while also improving defensive back coverage abilities.

Networking: These events allow players to connect with coaches and recruiters from across the country.

Navigating the Recruiting Process: A Guide for Hawaiian Athletes

The college recruiting process can be daunting. Here’s a breakdown of key steps for Hawaiian football players:

  1. Academic Eligibility: Maintain strong grades and meet NCAA eligibility requirements.
  2. Highlight Reel: Create a compelling highlight reel showcasing your best plays.
  3. Social Media Presence: Utilize social media platforms (Twitter, Hudl) to connect with coaches and share updates.
  4. Camps & Combines: Attend camps and combines to gain exposure and receive evaluations.
  5. Communication: Proactively communicate with college coaches and express your interest.
  6. Official Visits: Take official visits to campuses to assess program fit.

the Role of High School Coaching in Player Development

The quality of high school coaching plays a vital role in preparing athletes for the next level. Programs like Saint Louis School, Punahou School, and Kamehameha Schools have a long tradition of developing college-caliber players. These programs emphasize not only football skills but also character development and academic success.

Hawaii football Recruiting: Trends & Predictions

Increased Pac-12 Interest: With the evolving college football landscape, pac-12 programs are likely to increase their recruiting efforts in hawaii.

Mountain West Conference Dominance: The Mountain West Conference has traditionally been a strong recruiting ground for Hawaiian athletes, and this trend is expected

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