UteNation Countdown to Kickoff: No. 33 Kana’i Lopes
With 33 days left in the UteNation Countdown to Kickoff, today we discuss no. 33, Kana’i Lopes. The 6-foot-3 linebacker from Vegas played in four games on special teams in 2024, preserving his redshirt season.
UteNation Take
Lopes most likely will battle for rotational snaps this season, as Lander Barton, Lebanon Damuni, and Jonathan Hall are expected to lead the linebacker room. However, Lopes was an early enrollee two springs ago, so the system should start solidifying in his mind in Year 2. When Lopes arrived on campus last season, he was immediately pointed out as a freshman that stood out.
Trey Reynolds is the only other backer with any real playing experience behind the expected starting three, so Lopes should have good opportunities to see the field this fall. If that happens, expect 2026 or even the end of the 2025 season to be his big breakout year.
Remembering Lopes’ Recruitment
A three-star athlete rated by Rivals as the No. 70 safety, it was apparent that Lopes’ future would be at linebacker. Lopes chose Utah over Boston College, Washington, Oregon State, and Washington. Utah’s development was a key factor in committing to the Utes.
