Oregon Ducks football has scored a major win on the recruiting trail with the signing of 4-star center Alai Kalaniuvalu from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. Kalaniuvalu, who initially committed to Oregon in July before flipping to BYU in November, reconsidered his decision on the second day of Early Signing Day, rejoining the Ducks and reuniting with his high school teammate, 5-star offensive tackle Douglas Utu.
A Remarkable Prospect
At 6-foot-4 and 304 pounds, Kalaniuvalu boasts exceptional strength and skill. As a sophomore at Timpview High School in Utah, he posted an impressive 31 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press—numbers that would rival NFL Combine standouts. By March of this year, that number had increased to 33 reps, showcasing his physical development.
Regarded as one of the most intelligent and technically sound linemen in his class, Kalaniuvalu has drawn comparisons to former Oregon standout Jackson Powers-Johnson, a Rimington Award winner and Unanimous All-American. His advanced understanding of offensive line play and leadership on the field make him an ideal fit for Oregon’s tradition of dominant centers.
Strategic Timing
Kalaniuvalu plans to embark on an LDS mission before joining the Ducks, aligning perfectly with the team’s long-term strategy. Current starting center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu, another highly regarded Polynesian lineman, is a sophomore. This timeline allows Kalaniuvalu to develop further while Laloulu continues to anchor the line and prepare for an NFL future.
Building on Tradition
The center position has long been a source of pride for Oregon football. From Dan Weaver and Max Unger to Hroniss Grasu and Alex Forsyth, the Ducks have consistently produced all-conference players and NFL stalwarts at the position. Kalaniuvalu has the potential to uphold and even elevate this legacy. His commitment also bolsters the program’s pipeline to Bishop Gorman, a powerhouse high school known for producing Division I talent.
A Historic Offensive Line Class
Kalaniuvalu’s addition completes what could be one of Oregon’s most talented offensive line classes ever. The Ducks secured commitments from five linemen in the 2025 recruiting cycle, showcasing size, athleticism, and mental toughness. The full list includes:
5-star OT Douglas Utu (Bishop Gorman, NV) – 6’6″, 301 lbs
4-star OT Ziyare Addison (Carrollwood Day, FL) – 6’5″, 285 lbs
4-star OT Zac Stascausky (Central Catholic, OR) – 6’6″, 275 lbs
3-star OL Demetri Manning (Bellevue, WA) – 6’7″, 330 lbs
4-star C Alai Kalaniuvalu (Bishop Gorman, NV) – 6’4″, 304 lbs
The Future of Oregon Football
This group represents a strong foundation for the Ducks’ offensive line, combining physical talent with a “Five as One” mentality fostered through teamwork and competition. Kalaniuvalu and his fellow signees aim to live up to Oregon’s high standards, helping the program maintain its dominance in the trenches and push for national titles in the coming years.
With this signing class, head coach Dan Lanning and his staff continue to solidify Oregon’s reputation as a destination for elite talent.
