News Summary
Cousins Madden Soliai and Malaki Soliai-Tui have committed to the UCLA Bruins’ 2026 football recruiting class. Their decision adds two talented three-star prospects to UCLA’s roster. The Bruins have made significant strides in recruiting, with 13 incoming recruits just this June. Both players are recognized for their skills, with Madden excelling as a safety and Malaki as a linebacker. The family connection and UCLA’s strategic recruitment approach contributed to their commitment, highlighting the program’s growing appeal among prospects from Hawaii.
Kahuku, Hawaii – Cousins Madden Soliai and Malaki Soliai-Tui have officially committed to the UCLA Bruins’ 2026 football recruiting class, solidifying their plans to play together at the collegiate level. Their commitment, announced on Saturday, adds two promising three-star prospects to UCLA’s roster, marking the 20th and 21st commitments for the class.
The Soliai cousins’ decision to join UCLA is part of a strong recruiting momentum for the program, which has secured 13 out of the total 21 recruits this June. Madden Soliai, a safety who stands at 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 180 pounds, and Malaki Soliai-Tui, a linebacker measuring 6 feet 1 inch and 205 pounds, have garnered attention for their skills on the field. Both players had previously received offers from various schools, including Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and UNLV.
UCLA’s defensive coordinator, Ikaika Malloe, has played a crucial role in the recruitment of both Madden and Malaki. Madden Soliai is recognized for his aggressive playing style and versatility, excelling in multiple defensive roles, including boundary corner and strong tackling. On the other hand, Malaki Soliai-Tui primarily plays as a middle linebacker and shows excellent abilities in coverage, showcasing his adaptability on the field.
The family connection may have influenced the Soliai cousins’ commitment, as they have ties to current UCLA quarterbacks. This bond has been a prominent theme for the Soliai family, who have demonstrated their support for UCLA through social media, expressing enthusiasm for joining the program. Their decision reflects UCLA’s strategic approach to recruitment, which seeks to leverage family connections while strengthening their defensive lineup.
However, recruiting out of Hawaii poses challenges for UCLA, as seen in their recent loss of teammate Talanoa Ili to USC. The coaching staff’s strategy is to focus on developing the Soliai cousins, along with the other recruits, as they integrate into the Bruins’ program.
UCLA’s football program has seen a notable boost in recruiting during June, characterized as an “insane” run by coach DeShaun Foster, which has drawn attention to their efforts as they look to build a strong team for the future. With the addition of the Soliai cousins, the Bruins aim to enhance their defensive capabilities while capitalizing on the recent surge of commitments.
In summary, Madden Soliai and Malaki Soliai-Tui’s commitment to UCLA adds depth to the 2026 recruiting class, illustrating the Bruins’ growing appeal among talented prospects, particularly from Hawaii. As the UCLA program continues to bolster its recruiting efforts, the coaching staff’s emphasis on connection and development remains paramount as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the upcoming season.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Madden Soliai and Malaki Soliai-Tui Commit to UCLA
- 247Sports: Madden Soliai Picks UCLA
- BVM Sports: UCLA Football Secures Cousin Duo
- Yardbarker: Nico Iamaleava and UCLA’s Prospects
- Sports Illustrated: Madden Soliai and Recruitment Challenges
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins Football
- Google Search: UCLA Football Recruiting
- Google Scholar: UCLA Football Recruitment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA Bruins Football Team
- Google News: UCLA Football News
