BYU Scores Major Recruiting Win by Flipping Four-Star OL Alai Kalaniuvalu
BYU football landed a major coup on the recruiting trail with the commitment of four-star offensive lineman Alai Kalaniuvalu, who previously pledged to Oregon. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound standout from Utah’s Skyridge High School flipped his commitment and is now officially enrolled at BYU, giving the Cougars a major boost up front.
This isn’t the first time BYU has landed Kalaniuvalu. He originally committed to the Cougars early in the recruiting cycle before switching to Oregon, citing exposure and Pac-12 competition. However, a combination of local ties, BYU’s family culture, and strong relationships with the coaching staff — particularly new offensive line coach Darrell Funk — helped bring him back.
Kalaniuvalu’s decision to return to BYU is being celebrated by Cougar fans and recruiting analysts alike. He is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the Mountain West region, with a rare blend of size, athleticism, and technique. His film shows a player who can dominate in both run and pass protection — a critical need for a BYU team looking to re-establish its physicality in the trenches.
“Coming back to BYU felt right,” Kalaniuvalu said in a brief statement. “It’s home, and I know I’ll be developed here on and off the field.”
With BYU now in the Big 12 Conference, building depth and talent on the offensive line is a top priority. Kalaniuvalu’s arrival solidifies the position group and sends a message to other elite in-state prospects: BYU is competing — and winning — in the recruiting wars.
This successful flip also highlights head coach Kalani Sitake’s persistence and vision for the future of the program. With Kalaniuvalu on board, the Cougars’ 2025 recruiting class just became one of the most exciting in recent memory.
