News Summary
Lopeti Moala, ranked as the 13th overall recruit in Utah, visited UCLA during his recruitment process. The standout defensive lineman was impressed by UCLA’s family atmosphere and coaching staff. UCLA aims to secure his commitment as they look to bolster their defensive lineup following a recent NFL draft departure. Moala’s impressive high school performance suggests he could significantly enhance the Bruins’ defense as they compete with other programs for his commitment.
Los Angeles – UCLA hosted a highly anticipated recruitment visit from top defensive lineman prospect Lopeti Moala, a standout player from Orem, Utah, during a busy period of official visits as he evaluates his college options. Moala, currently a senior at Orem High School, is ranked as the 13th overall recruit in Utah and is the 88th overall defensive lineman in the nation for the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Moala’s visit to UCLA highlighted the university’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for prospective players. He noted feeling a strong attention to detail from every staff member he encountered and was particularly impressed by the “amazing family atmosphere” he experienced on campus. The remarks made by UCLA’s coaching staff, especially head coach DeShaun Foster, resonated well with him, leaving a lasting impression as he considers his future.
The recruitment effort for Moala comes as UCLA looks to strengthen its defensive lineup after the recent departure of senior defensive lineman Jay Toia, who was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the most recent NFL Draft. Moala, who stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 270 pounds, possesses the physical attributes and skills necessary to step into a significant role within the Bruins’ stout defensive strategy.
During his high school career, Moala demonstrated exceptional talent, helping Orem High School achieve a commendable 9-3 record this past season, concluding with a quarterfinal loss in the Utah Class 5A state playoffs. His on-field performance reflects a strong capability to shed blocks and effectively tackle ball carriers, showcasing his potential as a powerful addition to any collegiate football program.
Following his visit to UCLA, Moala expressed he is “definitely considering” the Bruins as a potential college destination. However, the competition remains fierce as he is also drawing interest from several other top-tier programs. He has officially scheduled visits to Utah, Arizona, and BYU in the coming months, indicating that his recruitment journey is far from over.
UCLA’s coaching staff is keen on securing Moala’s commitment after they extended a scholarship offer in mid-January. They are vying to attract this talented player, recognizing that his skill set aligns perfectly with their defensive needs and their goal to build on last season’s successes. UCLA completed the previous season with a solid run-stopping defense, ranked sixth in the nation, and they believe that Moala could play a crucial role in maintaining or even improving that standard.
As Moala continues his recruiting process with multiple planned visits, the focus remains on whether UCLA can persuade him to join their program. With his impressive size and demonstrated talent on the field, Moala stands out as one of the recruits who could significantly influence the Bruins’ performance in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Lopeti Moala Feels the Family Vibe at UCLA
- BVM Sports: Lopeti Moala Impressed with Family Feel on UCLA Visit
- SI.com: Bruins’ Lopeti Moala Football Official Visit
- SI.com: Lopeti Moala Recaps Junior Day at BYU
- 247Sports: Lopeti Moala Looks Ahead to Official Visits
- Wikipedia: Lopeti Moala
- Google Search: UCLA
- Google Scholar: Lopeti Moala
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lopeti Moala
- Google News: Lopeti Moala
