Honolulu, December 6, 2025
The University of Hawai’i football team has successfully signed 16 recruits during the early signing period, presenting a strategic move to enhance the team’s roster for the upcoming season. Under the guidance of head coach Timmy Chang, the Rainbow Warriors focus on building a competitive future through these recruitments. Key signings include versatile athletes across various positions, indicating a robust approach to strengthening both offense and defense. This proactive strategy underscores the team’s commitment to excellence and community engagement.
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai’i football team has made a significant move by securing 16 recruits for the Class of 2026 during the early signing period, a strategy that aims to bolster the team’s roster for the upcoming season. Head coach Timmy Chang has emphasized the importance of this signing period in shaping a competitive future for the Rainbow Warriors.
Key Signings
- Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo, ATH, 6-1, 175, ‘Aiea, O’ahu (‘Aiea HS):
- Avin Houston, CB, 6-2, 180, San Antonio, Texas (Central Catholic HS):
- Kawika “KJ” Hallums, OL, 6-2, 270, ‘Aiea, O’ahu (Bishop Gorman HS [Nev.]):
- Elijah Gipson, CB, 5-10, 165, Studio City, Calif. (Glendale CC/Oaks Christian HS):
- TJ Jones, CB, 6-0, 190, Spring, Texas (Blinn Coll./Klein Oak HS):
Ah Lo is recognized as the No. 3 wide receiver in Hawai’i, boasting 22 total touchdowns in his senior year, thereby enhancing the offensive strategies of the team.
As a consensus three-star prospect, Houston adds depth to the team’s secondary, providing vital defensive capabilities with a stellar record in his senior season.
Hallums enriches the offensive front significantly, bringing valuable experience and skills from a top-tier high school program.
Gipson aims to strengthen the defensive backfield with his experiences at Glendale Community College and Oaks Christian High School.
Jones provides additional depth and options in the cornerback position, further enhancing the team’s defensive lineup.
Additional Signings
- Kainoa Carvalho, WR, 5-6, 165, Lā’ie, O’ahu (Kahuku HS):
- Jordan Kernaghan, OL, 6-4, 285, Ewa Beach, O’ahu (Campbell HS):
- Uluaki “Waki” Taukiuvea, OL, 6-5, 300, West Valley City, Utah (Hunter HS):
- Steven McBride, WR, 6-1, 170, Napoleonville, La. (Kansas):
- Ha’aheo Dela Cruz, DL, 6-3, 217, Honolulu, O’ahu (‘Iolani School):
- Patrick Hisatake, DL, 6-5, 240, Honolulu, O’ahu (California):
- Kaleb Jackson-Carter, OL, 6-4, 280, Laveen, Ariz. (Desert Edge HS):
- Josh Jerome, DL, 6-1, 280, Monroe, Wash. (Eastern Washington):
- Isaac Maugaleoo, OL, 6-7, 320, ‘Ewa Beach, O’ahu (Campbell HS):
- Makana Meyer, DB, 5-11, 190, Waipahu, O’ahu (Mililani HS):
- Eddie Osei-Nketia, WR, 6-5, 210, Canberra, Australia (Scots College):
- Jamih Otis, LB, 5-10, 224, Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS):
Returning from a two-year mission in Japan, Carvalho is set to contribute to the team’s receiving corps, bringing unique experience and skills.
Kernaghan’s commitment strengthens the offensive line, critical for supporting the quarterback and enhancing offensive plays.
Taukiuvea’s versatility enriches the offensive line, making him a key addition to the team’s offensive strategy.
McBride joins the receiving unit with experience from Kansas, adding depth and skill to the roster.
Dela Cruz contributes to the defensive line, seeking to enhance both pass rush and run defense capabilities.
Hisatake’s experience from California boosts the defensive line’s strength and performance.
Jackson-Carter aims to reinforce the offensive line, critical for optimizing offensive strategies.
Jerome’s experience adds crucial depth to the defensive line, enhancing the overall defense’s effectiveness.
Maugaleoo’s size significantly enhances the offensive line, providing a strong physical presence.
Meyer’s signing fortifies the defensive backfield, aiming to improve pass coverage.
Osei-Nketia’s international experience introduces new skills to the receiving corps.
Otis’s experience at a prominent high school improves the linebacker position and defensive strategy.
The Importance of Early Signing Period
The early signing period in college football plays a crucial role in how programs assemble their teams for future competitions. It allows high school and junior college players to commit early, providing teams like the University of Hawai’i a clearer vision for their rosters and strategies as they head towards the traditional signing day in February. This proactive approach demonstrates the Rainbow Warriors’ commitment to building a stronger, more competitive team for the season ahead, benefiting the broader local community and athletic scene.
Conclusion
With these strategic signings, the University of Hawai’i football team positions itself for greater success in the upcoming season. The recruits not only enhance the team’s competitive edge but also serve as a rallying point for community engagement. Fans and local supporters are encouraged to stay connected with the team’s progress and continue their dedication to student athletics, which fosters not only sports excellence but also community pride and unity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the early signing period in college football?
The early signing period allows high school and junior college football players to sign their National Letters of Intent, committing to play for a collegiate program before the traditional signing day in February.
How many players did the University of Hawai’i football team sign during the early signing period?
The University of Hawai’i football team signed 16 new recruits for the Class of 2026 during the early signing period.
Who is Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo?
Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo is a versatile athlete from ‘Aiea, O’ahu, who led his high school team with 22 total touchdowns in his senior year. He is ranked as the No. 3 wide receiver in Hawai’i.
What positions did the University of Hawai’i football team focus on during the early signing period?
The team focused on strengthening key positions, including wide receiver, cornerback, offensive line, and defensive line, to enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities.
When does the traditional National Signing Day occur?
The traditional National Signing Day for college football is on the first Wednesday of February each year.
Key Features of the Early Signing Period
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | Typically spans three days, starting the Wednesday after Thanksgiving weekend. |
| Purpose | Allows high school and junior college football players to sign their National Letters of Intent, committing to play for a collegiate program before the traditional signing day in February. |
| Impact | Enables teams to secure commitments early, providing a clearer picture of their rosters for future seasons. |
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