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SMU lands commitment from 2026 OL Pupungatoa Katoa

On3 imageby: Billy Embody05/11/25BillyEmbody
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2026 Euless (Tex.) Trinity offensive lineman Pupungatoa Katoa committed to SMU, he announced on Sunday. The Mustangs beat out Oklahoma and Texas A&M for his commitment after an official visit last weekend.

“They really made me and my family feel comfortable there and my aunty Jenny Katoa, who is a mother figure to me, made her feel really special and it made me feel my Mom’s spirit,” Katoa said on Sunday. “It’s real close to home and my family will be able to make it to all my home games.”

The official visit sealed his decision to commit to the Mustangs.

“Man, it was great. Everything was great. I had dinner the first day with coach Lashlee and his wife. That was one thing that made me feel very important,” Katoa told On3. “It’s special to be eating with the head coach. My family’s been this whole weekend was comfortable around all the coaches, which is a big thing. We don’t really just be comfortable right off the bat. My family was comfortable right off the bat, which showed how comfortable the coaches make us feel and how welcome we can feel here. I got to go around with the players around the city and that was a great experience.”

SMU offensive lineman Nate Anderson hosted him and hyped up all the good things about SMU, including working with offensive line coach Garin Justice.

“I got to be with Nate. He was a great host,” Katoa said. “He said a lot of good things about coach Justice and how real he really is. I heard a lot of good things. Coach Justice coaches everyone different, which is what I like. Not just a one and done type of guy, he helps develop players and stuff. That’s what I like to hear. The visit has been really awesome. I’m glad to be here and I’m happy that they made me and my family feel great here.”

On3 ranks him as the No. 67 overall interior offensive lineman and 133rd-ranked prospect in Texas.

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