My list has changed due to the Trehsyn transfer, recruiting websites updates and offseason scrimmagesKalihiB0y wrote: Mon Jun 02, 2025 11:48 pm My top 5 consists of who i think is going to go far this year and hopefully get majority of my picks correct. My rankings go based on current team projections, transfers, underclassmen up and coming, new fbs recruits etc…
1: Saint Louis
No surprise to see last year’s Koa trophy winner be number 1, more than half of the team from last year was underclassmen. Qb Nainoa lopes became a 3 star this offseason looking more poised. Running back situation is iffy which leads me to believe this will be a more pass heavy offense. WR room is deep with names like 3-star Jordan Nunuha, Exodus Brown, Xavier Brown, Kingston Siliado. This team can easily average the most passing yards in the state. The offensive line is anchored by 3-star Kamoi Huihui-White, lost a lot of names but will give Lopes time. Front 7 is led by Stone Ah Quin along with 3-stars Adruen Meredith, TJ Alualu & Rocco Malaki. Back field is looking the same as last years which was able to shut down passing attacks, all led by 3-star Jahren Altura.
#2: Kahuku
3-Star Qb Matai Fuiava should be comfortable to the environment, playbook etc… he’s the focal point of this 2025-2026 team. Some of the younger talent in the offensive skill positions really need to step up big times to fill in big shoes if they really want another chance at redemption. Expect RB Isaiah Joaquin to be starting based off of his showing against Kapolei last year. Can’t really say much about the receiving corps until we actually see it but this might be an option-type team in the preseason to factor in who is the playmakers. Offensive line is led by 3-Star Efren Siuola but is questionable due to the losses of Jacob Maiava & Spencer Evan’s… should be fine. Defensively is one of the best teams in the state yet again. Front 7 is looking mean with Carson Graham & 3-Star Nui Meyers anchoring that DL, along with 4-Star Talanoa ILI and 3-star Malaki Soliai-Tui anchoring a tough LB corps along with proven Lb Chauncy Alo. 3-Star DB Madden Soliai holds his own against any receiver in any league. Safety Erying Mapu is a stud coming off of the JV Squad.
#3: Farrington
This offseason the gov hype isn’t a thing to be scoffed at, transfers in every position to fill the gaps of the seniors that held their own in the OIA open last year. 2024’s team didn’t have any distinctive offensive attack and fell short defensively to opponents who simply had a better offense. This year’s team looks more scarier than ever. QB consists of 3-star California-transfer AJ Stowers who threw for 3,800 yards last season. He along with WRs Princeten Samuelu and Kailua-transfer Isaiah Kaiu are going to be lighting up defenses all year long. Offensive-line is looking to be a tough one with 4 out of 5 linemen have 1 or more FBS scholarship offer(s)/being looked at. 3-Stars Koloi Keli & Isaiah Bertola lead the charge with Midas Tafea & Kamehameha-Transfer Zaeden Keala-Tomas also being hard to beat. Defensively Phenix Umi leads a tough DL with Campbell-transfer Azaryas Murray-Thornton (who recently got offered D1) comes off the edge. Linebackers are Transfers Tyson Alualu-Lu (Moanalua) & Taleni Liua Jr. (Liberty, NV) while the secondary has DJ Faavi playing Db this season along with Shonn Keaunui (Moanalua) and D1-bound Malosi Ilaoa (Orem, UT).
#4: Campbell
No more Sagapolutele but they do have Brayden Medeiros who did win a co-mvp at the all-808 combine alongside Kapolei’s Leysen Rodrigues. His weapon Brystin Sansano Is a legit threat to defenders. sneaky threats is WRs Shaison Kupukaa & Chase Yamashita, watch out for them. OL is gonna be anchored by Chantz Chargualaf along with some other beefy linemen inside their spring workouts. The Dline is super talented with 3-Star edge Trehsyn Felsili along with interiors Chaesten Eliu, Anthony Ashby & Myikca Tuigamala-Alston. The secondary is controlled by 3-Stars Tainoa Lave & Isaiah Chong.
#5: Kapolei
Qb Leysen Rodrigues was an MVP at the qb position at the all-808 combine. Coming into the season tested, he also has a returning offensive that put up numbers against top teams last year. RB Chazz-Michael Kapahu controls the run game. WR’s Nikko Smith, Zayne Paison, Kaina Komohali’i & Maui Remigio lead the strongest receiving corps the OIA has to offer. Line should be able to protect Rodrigues to make those dynamic plays. Defensive should hold their own, 3-star Ejay Tapeni and Xavier Sua is going to make OL’s work. Linebacker Jayverson Pupu-Muaava is a force. not to sure about that secondary since they do have a history of letting up points.
Honorable mentions:
- Mililani: lost majority of their team from last year, even with the Satele brothers transferring, I’d think they need more time to grow as a unit, especially without the lead of Kini McMillan. Koong is ok but wasn’t really utilized.
- Kamehameha: They have the size, talent and brute strength, but lack the depth/talent of receivers and secondary to keep up with opponents like St. Louis and Campbell. And without a prospect qb, this team is run-heavy.
#1. Kahuku (Prev. #2)
#2. Saint Louis (Prev. #1)
#3. Farrington
#4. Kapolei (Prev. #5)
#5. Mililani (Prev. Below #5)
#6. Kamehameha
#7. Campbell (Prev. #4)
#8. Punahou
#9. Konawaena
#10. Leilehua
1. Kahuku’s roster with the updates and everything is looking too scary and good to “not” be ranked #1 by the end of the season. If Talanoa ili balls out this year he may become the 4th prospect this decade to reach 5-star Status in Hawaii prep football. In my opinion I ranked Saint Louis above Kahuku before because of their potent offense and the defensive capabilities to shut down a Kahuku offense. But now I believe that since they don’t have that “Titan Lacaden run game” it’s going to be hard to move the chains against a stacked defense such as the Red Raiders.
2. Mililani is showing grit and poise this off season during their scrimmages. Before I thought that they needed to grow as a unit but their defense is looking sharp and in season-form already. Their passing attack also looks dangerous with Luke Van Antwerp being the lethal weapon this season. I definitely see them edging out wins over Campbell and Kamehameha… not too sure about Farrington since they did go to OT with a stronger squad. I wouldn’t count the Trojans out this year, they’re probably a sleeper pick of mines.
3. Kailua’s chances of winning the D1 is at an all time high. Do I see them overpowering D1 teams with their sheer size and playmaking ability? Yes. Do I see them stopping a passing attack such as Konawaena? No. You see I don’t doubt Kailua, they have grit and determination when games matter. But just because a team has a college-caliber oline doesn’t make the entire team just as good. In the trenches Kailua flat out should decimate every opponent they play this season, them boys are beefy and strong. But the question is do they have the playmaker and clutch players to make the dream run happen? Only time will tell.
