AUTHORS: Lanea Lutali, Aliyah Tautuhi-Fraser, Kaylyn Brown & Tyler Pasa
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is more than just the culmination of the college football season, it’s a grand stage where the best of the best battle for the coveted national championship. Think of it as the Super Bowl of college football. This year, two powerhouses, The Ohio State University and Notre Dame, go head-to-head for the 2025 CFP National Championship.
While the spotlight shines on these incredible teams, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the Pacific Islander players who’ve graced this year’s football season with their talent and resilience. Among the championship contenders, five Pacific players have made their mark: JT Tuimoloau (The Ohio State), and Junior Tuihalamaka, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jordan Botelho and Kahanu Kia (Notre Dame).
These young men represent not only their teams but their faith, heritage, families, and the broader Pacific community.
Jaylahn (JT) Tuimoloau
- School: The Ohio State
- Position: Defensive End
- Jersey Number: 44
- Island: Samoa
- Hometown: Edgewood, WA
Fun Facts
JT attributes his success to the support of his parents, who he credits for their sacrifices. His faith plays a pivotal role in his life, inspired by his mother’s favorite Bible verse, Luke 12:2-3: “What’s done in the dark will always come to light.”
Beyond the field, JT uses his platform to inspire others. At an Ohio State event, he led worship and encouraged peers to praise God, creating an opportunity for others to deepen their faith.
Player Highlights:
- 2023 Second Team All-American, First Team All-Big Ten
- Career Stats: 56 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
- NFL Draft Grade: 7.6, projected second-round pick
- Nation’s #1 overall prospect in 2021 (247Sports)
Junior Tuihalamaka
- School: Notre Dame
- Position: Defensive Line
- Jersey Number: 44
- Island: Tonga
- Hometown: Granada Hills, CA
Fun Facts
Junior’s football journey is rooted in his family legacy. His father, a former professional player, instilled discipline, hard work, and a love for the game. Faith is at the center of Junior’s life, guiding his perseverance and leadership. In 2024, he partnered with @sssp4kids to support Catholic school sports programs, reflecting his commitment to his community.
Top Plays and Achievements:
- Crucial fourth-down stop vs. Navy
- First career interception against Miami
- 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watchlist
- 2024 Sugar Bowl fumble recovery, pivotal in Notre Dame’s victory
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
- School: Notre Dame
- Position: Linebacker
- Jersey Number: 27
- Island: Samoa
- Hometown: Inland Empire, CA
Fun Facts
Kyngstonn credits his Samoan heritage for shaping his character, emphasizing family and cultural values. Music connects him to his roots, and he’s a fan of Fiji, Maoli, and Nesian Nine. His favorite foods? Sapasui and Pisupo.
Player Highlights:
- Notre Dame’s only five-star recruit
- First career interception vs. Purdue (2024)
- Watchlist for the 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
Jordan Botelho
- School: Notre Dame
- Position: Defensive Line
- Jersey Number: 12
- Island: Hawai’i
- Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Fun Facts
A highly-touted prospect, this player has earned recognition as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN.com. He was ranked No. 114 overall nationally, No. 6 among inside linebackers, and the No. 1 player from Hawaii by 247Sports. Rivals placed him at No. 198 overall, No. 12 among inside linebackers, and also as the top player from Hawaii, awarding him a 5.8 Rivals rank. ESPN.com rated him No. 183 overall nationally, No. 26 regionally, No. 14 among inside linebackers, and No. 1 in Hawaii, with an 82 Scout Grade. He is also on the watchlist for the 2025 Senior Bowl and the 2023 Sun Bowl Jimmy Rodgers Jr. Trophy for Lineman of the Game.
Player Highlights (2024):
- At Texas A&M (8/31): Achieved a career-high six tackles, including three solo and three assisted, in the victory. Also led the team with two quarterback hurries.
- Northern Illinois (9/7): Started on the defensive line and recorded three tackles, comprising one solo and two assisted.
- At Purdue (9/15): Made another start on the defensive line, tallying three tackles (one solo, two assisted) and delivering a sack for a 13-yard loss.
KAHANU KIA
- School: Notre Dame
- Position: Linebacker
- Jersey Number: 43
- Island: Hawai‘i
- Hometown: Kāneʻohe, HI
Fun Facts
Kahanu recently returned from a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Carolina, a testament to his faith and discipline. His younger brother is also set to join Notre Dame as a linebacker.
Career Highlights:
- Season-high five tackles vs. Navy (2021)
- Played in the 2021 Polynesian Bowl in Hawai‘i
These five athletes remind us that football is about more than just the game, it’s about culture, faith, and family. Their achievements inspire pride, not just for their teams, but for the Pacific community worldwide. We’re rooting for them every step of the way. Fa’amalo lava, mahalo nui loa and malo ‘aupito to JT, Junior, Kyngstonn, Kahanu and Jordan – your journey is a win for us all!
Credits: ESPN JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State Buckeyes JT Tuimoloau 2024-2025, Bleacher Report JT Tuimoloau NFL Draft 25, Fighting Irish Kahanu Kia, One Foot Down Kahanu Kia, 247Sports Kahanu Kia, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame 2024 Watch List, Essentially Sports Junior Tuihalamaka.
