HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i head football coach Timmy Chang announced 16 signees for the Class of 2026 during the early signing period.
 
The 2026 class includes…

• 14 high school prospects and two junior college transfers
• Seven on defense, seven on offense, and two athletes
• Five states represented including five from the hometown state of Hawai'i
• One signee each from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

 
Made in Hawai'i: Seven signees are from the 50^th state including five Hawai'i high school graduates – Top 25 prospects CB Jahren Altura (Saint Louis; Honolulu, O'ahu), LB Keoki Cypriano (Kailua HS; Kailua, O'ahu), TE Vainuupo Fanuaea (Nanakuli HS; Wai'anae, O'ahu), TE Christian Sanford-Tupuola (Kahuku HS; Kahuku, O'ahu), and WR Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo ('Aiea HS; 'Aiea, O'ahu). In addition, SAF Brayton Correa, the son of former Warrior La'anui Correa, and QB Maika Eugenio were born and raised on O'ahu before moving to Las Vegas.
 
Bishop Gorman West: Hawai'i's pipeline with Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman High continues with three more additions to the UH roster – SAF Brayton Correa, QB Maika Eugenio, and WR Isaiah Nickels. Last season, the Hawai'i roster featured six former Gaels, all of whom were either starters or rotational players. Eugenio is a two-year starting QB who totaled 68 career touchdown passes and nearly 5,000 yards. Nickels converted from defensive back to wide receiver during his senior year while Correa was a key contributor on defense.
 
Desert Storm: Three signees hail from the state of Arizona – RB TJ Fo'ilefutu (Peoria, Ariz.), SAF Marquis Richardson (Chandler, Ariz.), and CB Kydel Stone (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Fo'ilefutu averaged 7.4 yards per carry at Liberty High, where he also starred at linebacker with four sacks and three forced fumbles. Richardson totaled 187 tackles in three varsity seasons at Hamilton High. Stone was a highly-recruited corner at Saguaro High, where he also ran track and timed at 10.80 in the 100m and 22.60 in the 200m.
 
Spanning the Globe: Hawai'i added three more international signees to its roster – OL Fapiano "Vake" Hehea (Melbourne, Australia), DL Tonga Paea (Auckland, New Zealand), and OL Cooper Troy (Calgary, Albert, Canada). Hehea and Paea anchored the line at New Mexico Military Institute and also standout rugby players in their respective countries. Troy was Canada's top interior offensive line prospect.
 
Mr. Versatility: CB Avin Houston (San Antonio, Texas) was a two-sport star in football and track and field at Central Catholic High, where he totaled seven interceptions in his final two seasons and placed fourth at the state high school meet in the 110m hurdles. OT Andrew Price (Boise, Idaho) played both sides of the line at Timberline High, where he was the No. 2 tackle prospect in the state of Idaho while also wreaking havoc on the defensive line with 12 tackles for loss and three sacks during his senior year.
 
No-Fly Zone: UH shored up its defensive secondary with five signees – safeties Brayton Correa (Bishop Gorman HS), Marquis Richardson (Hamilton HS) and cornerbacks Jahren Altura (Saint Louis School), Avin Houston (Central Catholic HS), and Kydel Stone (Saguaro HS). Correa and Altura were teammates at Saint Louis School before Correa transferred to Bishop Gorman to finish his high school career.
 
 
2025 University of Hawai'i Football Early Period Signing Class

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown / Last School
Jahren Altura	CB	5-10	175	Honolulu, O'ahu / Saint Louis School
Brayton Correa	SAF	5-11	180	Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS
Keoki Cypriano	LB	6-2	215	Kailua, O'ahu / Kailua HS
Maika Eugenio	QB	6-0	180	Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS
Vainuupo Fanuaea	ATH	6-0	220	Wai'anae, O'ahu / Nānākuli HS
TJ Fo'ilefutu	RB	6-1	230	Peoria, Ariz. / Liberty HS
Fapiano "Vake" Hehea	OL	6-4	290	Berwick, Australia / New Mexico Military Institute
Avin Houston	CB	6-2	180	San Antonio, Texas / Central Catholic HS
Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo	ATH	6-1	175	'Aiea, O'ahu / 'Aiea HS
Isaiah Nickels	WR	5-10	155	Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS
Tonga Paea	DL	6-4	330	Auckland, New Zealand / New Mexico Military Institute
Andrew Price	OT	6-6	270	Boise, Idaho / Timberline HS
Marquis Richardson	SAF	6-3	180	Chandler, Ariz. / Hamilton HS
Christian Sanford-Tupuola	TE	6-4	210	Kahuku, O'ahu / Kahuku HS
Kydel Stone	CB	6-2	180	Scottsdale, Ariz. / Saguaro HS
Cooper Troy	OL	6-5	310	Calgary, Alberta, Canada / Team Alberta

 
Class of 2026 Bios
 
Jahren Altura, CB, 5-10, 175, Honolulu, ​​O'ahu (Saint Louis)
Ranked 15th overall in Hawai'i according to the 247 Composite ratings … The second-ranked athlete in the state according to 247Sports and the No. 2-ranked cornerback in Hawai'i by Rivals … A consensus three-star prospect … Selected to play in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl … Has run a 10.89 in the 100m dash and 21.90 in the 200m dash … A four-year letterwinner at Saint Louis School … Came away with two interceptions and a forced fumble as a senior in 2025 … A first-team All-Hawai'i selection by ScoringLive as a junior in 2024 … Named second-team all-state by the Honolulu Star Advertiser … Also earned All-ILH honors … Recorded a pair of INTs and six pass breakups in helping the Crusaders to a 2024 state title … Also a standout in track and field, coming in third in the 200m dash while anchoring the state title winning 4x100m relay squad at the 2025 HHSAA State Championships … The state runner-up in the 100m dash at the 2024 HHSAA State Championships and part of a state title winning 4x100m relay.
 
Brayton Correa, S, 5-11, 180, Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
Lettered two seasons at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas after spending his first two seasons at Saint Louis School in Honolulu … Part of two state championship squads at Gorman … Came away with a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble while making 35 tackles as a senior in 2024 … Also added four pass breakups and a sack to help lead Bishop Gorman to a Nevada state title … Recorded 17 stops and a forced fumble for a state-title winning Gaels squad as a junior in 2023 … Made 12 tackles and a pass breakup as a sophomore at Saint Louis School in 2022 … Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds … Father, La'anui (2000-02), and uncle, Haku (2009-12) were defensive linemen for the Warriors.
 
Keoki Cypriano, LB, 6-2, 215, Kailua, ​​O'ahu (Kailua HS)
A standout linebacker at Kailua High School … Recorded six interceptions and made 41 tackles while forcing three fumbles in 2025 … Helped lead Kailua to a HHSAA Division I state title as a senior … Came away with the game-clinching interception with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter of the title game victory … Also added eight tackles in the state championship game win … Totaled 15 tackles and two interceptions over the three wins in the HHSAA state tournament … Had a monster game vs. Waipahu in the first round of the OIA playoffs, recording 16 tackles and two interceptions … Posted another two-INT game against Radford earlier in the season, returning one of those for a TD … An honorable mention All-OIA selection as a junior … Recorded a pick-six, three sacks and 11.0 TFLs in 2024.
 
Maika Eugenio, QB, 6-0, 180, Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
The consensus top overall quarterback in Nevada and top 20 player overall in the state … The No. 92-ranked quarterback nationally and 12th-ranked player overall in Nevada according to 247Sports … A consensus three-star prospect … Totaled 68 career touchdown passes to just seven interceptions, while throwing for 4,805 yards over two seasons as a starter … Completed 72.9 percent of his passes throughout his career, averaging 200.2 passing yards per game … Threw for 2,760 yards and 37 touchdowns to just five interceptions, completing 75 percent of his passes as a senior in 2025 … Also ran for 234 yards and a pair of scores to help lead Bishop Gorman to its fifth consecutive Nevada state title … Threw multiple TD passes in 10 of the 11 games, including three or more touchdown tosses nine times … A first-team All-Southern Nevada selection as a junior in 2024 … Finished with 31 touchdown passes to only two INTs, passing for 2,043 yards and completing 69.8 percent of his passes … Threw five TD passes on 12-of-15 passing for 261 yards in the state championship game vs. Arbor View … Born in Hawai'i before moving to Las Vegas in middle school.
 
Vainuupo Fanuaea, ATH, 6-6, 220, Wai'anae, ​​O'ahu (Nanakuli HS)
The consensus second-ranked tight end in Hawai'i … Ranked 20th overall in the state by Rivals and 23rd among all players in Hawai'i by 247Sports … A consensus three-star prospect … Selected to play in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl … A three-year letterwinner at Nanakuli High School … Caught 29 passes for 441 yards and three TDs, averaging 15.2 yards per reception as a senior in 2025 … Hauled in multiple receptions in six of his eight games played, including a career-high eight catches for 126 yards vs. Moanalua on Aug. 29 … Finished with 10 receptions for 104 yards and a score as a junior in 2024 … Also a standout in basketball … Averaged 12.5 points per game, scoring 15-plus points in six of 13 games as a junior in 2024.
 
TJ Fo'ilefutu, RB, 6-1, 230, Peoria, Ariz. (Liberty HS)
Ranked third among athletes in Arizona and No. 100 nationally at his position by Rivals … The No. 5-ranked athlete in Arizona according to the 247 Composite ratings … Ranks in the top 50 overall in the state according to the 247 Composite and Rivals Industry ratings … A consensus three-star prospect … A first-team 6A Desert Valley All-Region selection as a senior at Liberty High School in 2025 … Found the end zone nine times while averaging 7.4 yards per carry as a running back … Added four sacks and three forced fumbles on the defensive side of the ball … A first-team 2A Arizona All-State selection as a junior at Tonopah Valley High School in 2024 … Totaled 2,109 yards from scrimmage with 30 total touchdowns … Rushed for 1,184 yards and 19 TDs on just 99 carries for an average of 12.0 yards per rush … Also caught 50 passes for 925 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding one interception return for a TD … Recorded 61 tackles, two forced fumbles and nine TFLs as a sophomore in 2023.
 
Fapiano "Vake" Hehea, OL, 6-4, 290, Berwick, Australia (New Mexico Military Institute)
Spent two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute … A second-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference selection as a sophomore in 2025 … One of the leaders up front for an offense that averaged 31.6 points per game … Helped the Broncos rack up over 150 yards rushing in four games, and 200-plus yards passing six times … Appeared in 10 games as a freshman in 2024, helping New Mexico Military average 213.4 yards per game through the air … Also a standout rugby player in Australia, playing for the Melbourne Rebels U18 team.
 
Avin Houston, CB, 6-2, 180, San Antonio, Texas (Central Catholic HS)
Ranked 207th nationally among cornerbacks by 247Sports … A consensus three-star prospect … Selected to play in the 2026 San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game … Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds … Recorded 43 tackles and a pair of interceptions - including one returned for a TD - along with 11 pass breakups as a senior in 2025 … Helped lead Central Catholic High School to a TAPPS Division I playoff appearance … An honorable mention Texas private schools all-state selection as a junior in 2024 … Came away with five INTs and five pass breakups while making 34 tackles and recovering one fumble … Named second-team TAPPS All-District 2 as a sophomore in 2023 … Also a standout in track and field, coming in fourth at the 2025 TAPPS 6A State Championships in the 110m hurdles with a time of 15.24 seconds.
 
Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo, ATH, 6-1, 175, 'Aiea, ​​O'ahu ('Aiea HS)
The No. 3-ranked wide receiver in Hawai'i according to 247Sports … Ranks 24th overall in the state according to 247Sports … A consensus three-star prospect … A four-year varsity starter for Na Ali'i … Played a multitude of positions, including safety, wide receiver, running back, quarterback, and as a kicking and return specialist … As a senior, led Na Alii with 22 total touchdowns, including one on defense … Helped propel 'Aiea to the OIA Division I title game and a berth into the state playoffs … Led all OIA Division I receivers with 78 catches for 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns … Also was the team's second-leading rusher with 358 yards and nine touchdowns, while averaging 5.0 yards per carry … Named a ScoringLive All-Hawai'i Division I Honorable Mention utility selection as a junior … Also earned All-OIA Division I First Team honors by ScoringLive as a utility selection on offense as a junior … Finished second on the team in receiving yards and led the team in rushing that season … As a sophomore, led the team in rushing and ranked second in receiving yards … Had nine catches for 170 yards and two TDs against Moanalua and ran for 135 yards and three TDs on 18 carries against Nanakuli to highlight his sophomore campaign … Made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording  an interception, a fumble recovery, one pass break up and 2.5 tackles against Waipahu in the OIA Division I title game … Recorded a pick and a fumble recovery and made two tackles in a state quarterfinal win over Lahainaluna the very next week … Finished his high school football career with 2,723 total yards on offense and 36 total touchdowns … Also earned all-league honors in basketball.
 
Isaiah Nickels, WR, 5-10, 155, Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
A consensus top-25 player overall in Nevada … Ranks fourth among wide receivers in the state according to the Rivals Industry ratings … The No. 4 athlete in Nevada according to 247Sports … A consensus three-star prospect … Racked up 410 receiving yards and seven TDs on 26 receptions as a senior in 2025 … Averaged 15.8 yards per reception on the way to helping Bishop Gorman to its fifth straight Nevada state title … A first-team All-Southern Nevada selection in 2024 … Primarily played defense and special teams as a junior, recording 21 tackles and a pair of INTs … Also averaged 18.8 yards on 16 punt returns with one going for a TD, while catching two touchdown passes … Finished freshman year with 24 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 … Caught passes from both current UH quarterback Micah Alejado and fellow Class of 2026 signee Maika Eugenio during his high school career.
 
Tonga Paea, DL, 6-4, 330, Auckland, New Zealand (New Mexico Military Institute)
Spent two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute … Recorded 23 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery for the Broncos … Made 14 tackles while adding 2.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery as a sophomore in 2025 … Turned in best performance on Oct. 11 vs. Cisco College, making five stops while adding a TFL … Played rugby at Westlake Boys High School in New Zealand … Helped lead Westlake to a 2023 Rugby World Schools Festival title.
 
Andrew Price, OT, 6-6, 270, Boise, Idaho (Timberline HS)
Consensus No. 2 offensive tackle and top 10 recruit in Idaho … Consensus top 150 OT in the nation … Ranked 129th among all offensive tackles nationally and No. 7 overall in Idaho in the 247 Composite ratings … A consensus three-star prospect … Selected to the 6A SIC Foothills Division All-Conference First Team as a senior in 2025 … Helped lead Timberline HS to a 10-2 record and 2025 state runner-up finish … Paved the way for Timberline to total 1,714 rushing yards and 15 rushing TDs … One of the leaders up front for a Timberline offense that averaged 32.0 points and 347.6 yards of offense … Also played on the defensive line … Recorded 30 tackles, including 12.0 for a loss, and three sacks as a senior … Helped take Timberline to a 6A state playoff appearance as a junior in 2024.
 
Marquis Richardson, S, 6-3, 180, Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton HS)
Consensus No. 4 safety in Arizona … Ranked the No. 28 recruit in Arizona by Rivals, No. 34 by 247 Composite, and No. 36 by 247sports … Consensus three-star prospect … Recorded 187 tackles in three varsity seasons, including nine for a loss … Tallied three career interceptions and 29 career pass breakups … A first-team 6A Fiesta Conference all-region selection as a senior in 2025 … Finished his senior season with 51 tackles, including 21 solo and eight for a loss … Helped lead Hamilton to the top seed in the 2025 AIA State Championships and a semifinal berth … Named first-team 6A Premier Conference all-region as a junior in 2024 … Recorded 82 tackles as a junior with 33 solo tackles and first career sack … Also added two picks, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble … A 6A Premier Conference all-region honorable mention selection as a sophomore in 2023 … Totaled 54 tackles and 13 pass breakups.
 
Christian Sanford-Tupuola, TE, 6-4, 210, Kahuku, ​​O'ahu (Kahuku HS)
The top-ranked athlete in Hawai'i according to the Rivals Industry ratings … Ranked 93rd nationally among athletes and No. 18 overall in the state in the Rivals industry ratings … A consensus three-star prospect … Played wide receiver as well as quarterback for Kahuku High School … As a senior, led the Red Raiders with 19 receptions for 289 yards and two touchdowns, while averaging 15.2 yards per catch … Helped the Red Raiders to its second straight OIA Open Division title and an appearance in the state semifinals … Tallied four catches for 116 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown in an OIA semifinal win over Campbell … Served as the team's backup quarterback as a junior, lining up behind center in eight games … Threw for 150 yards on 7-of-9 passing and a pair of touchdowns in a win over Waimea.
 
Kydel Stone, CB, 6-2, 180, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Saguaro HS)
A consensus top-five cornerback in Arizona … The third-ranked cornerback in Arizona according to 247Sports … Ranks 34th overall in the state according to the 247 Composite ratings … The No. 4-ranked cornerback in the state in the Rivals Industry ratings … A consensus three-star prospect … Wingspan measures at 6-foot-5 … Named second-team All-6A Central Conference as a senior in 2025 … Broke up five passes as a senior and came away with an interception and five PBUs as a junior in 2024 … Also a standout in track and field, owning personal bests of 10.80 in the 100m dash and 22.60 in the 200m dash … Chose UH over 10 other schools, including Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and UNLV.
 
Cooper Troy, OL, 6-5, 310, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Team Alberta)
The consensus top-ranked interior offensive lineman in Canada … Ranked No. 219 nationally among interior offensive linemen according to 247Sports … A consensus three-star prospect … Attends Harry Ainlay High School … Named a 2025 Canada Cup West All-Star for his performance at the U18 Football Canada Cup … Helped lead Team Alberta to a U18 Canada Cup title … One of the leaders up front for a Harry Ainlay squad that took home the City Championship and advanced to the Alberta Provincial Final Four … Paved the way for Team Alberta to rush for five touchdowns in a 37-34 overtime win over Ontario in the Canada Cup Championship Game … Also played for the Team Alberta U16 team in 2023 … Invited to play in the 2025 Hawai'i Tiki Bowl.