On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: New leader for 5-star DL Matayo Uiagalelei

Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco five-star defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei has a top three of Ohio State, Oregon and USC. Just days from the start of the Early Signing Period, the Trojans have a strong lead for Uiagalelei’s commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

USC now holds a 51% chance to land the 6-foot-5, 263-pound prospect, per the RPM. The Trojans’ chances rose following an expert prediction from Scott Schrader of WeAreSC.

Uiagalelei is the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 4 defensive lineman in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 5 player in California.

For more USC recruiting intel, check out WeAreSC.

The five-star has visited Los Angeles five times. His most recent trip to USC was on Nov. 26. On3’s Chad Simmons recently provided some intel regarding Uiagalelei’s decision.

“He has met with Ohio State and Oregon,” Simmons wrote. “USC gets their final shot to keep the five-star defensive lineman home this weekend. Lincoln Riley and Shaun Nua have stayed consistent with Uiagalelei this fall, and the Trojans are hoping to close strong. Ohio State still has some buzz around it on my end, but Oregon and USC still are in this, too. One source close to USC said, ‘This weekend will make or break their chances for Matayo.’ There is some optimism heading into this visit out of L.A., but they could still have a little ground to make up. I am hearing a final decision will be made around Monday.”

Uiagalelei 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 On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Matayo Uiagalelei:

“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.”