On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State trending for 5-star Matayo Uiagalelei

USC seemed to be the narrow favorite to land Bellflower (Cal.) St. John Bosco 5-star defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei at the beginning of December but as National Signing Day quickly approaches, another team has taken the lead.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State has emerged as the favorite to land a commitment from Uiagalelei. The Buckeyes hold the lead at 38% while USC follows close behind at 31% and Oregon trails further back 24%.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson recently had a visit with Uiagalelei. Johnson was also at St. John Bosco’s game last Saturday. Oregon visited Uiagalelei on Thursday and USC is set to visit over the weekend.

The 6-foot-5, 283-pound Uiagalelei is the No. 29 overall prospect and the No. 4 defensive lineman for the 2023 class according in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 5 player in California.

Uiagalelei currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $213k. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Matayo Uiagalelei Scouting Summary

“A big jumbo athlete who doubles as a tight end and defensive end for one of the nation’s top high school programs. Has unique movement skills and speed at 6-foot-5 and over 260 pounds. Is able to run with linebackers and some defensive backs at his size. Has shown some improvement as a pass catcher over the course of 2021. Likely has a higher long-term upside as a defensive lineman or even offensive tackle rather than tight end. Can continue to increase his physicality on a snap-to-snap basis.”