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2026 OL Pupungatoa Katoa impressed by speed, chemistry at Texas' Junior Day

by:Charlie Williams•01/28/25
Toa Katoa
Toa Katoa (Charlie Williams/Inside Texas)

Pupungatoa Katoa, a three-star 2026 offensive lineman out of Euless (Texas) Trinity, had a great experience during Texas Junior Day this past Saturday. One thing that stood out to him about the program was its emphasis on speed.

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“I like how their thing is based around speed,” Katoa shared. Another highlight of his visit was the opportunity to interact with current Texas players.

“Being around the football players, getting to ask them questions and hearing them answer confidently. It lets me know that everything the coaches are preaching is true,” he said.

Katoa also appreciated the chance to speak with the offensive linemen without coaches present, giving him a chance to get honest insights about the program.

“I asked them how Coach Flood and Coach Sark are after recruiting and once players get on campus, and if they’re any different. I also asked about their chemistry, especially since they’re competing for each others spots. They answered all of it confidently, which was really good to know,” Katoa said.

His father echoed the same sentiments, adding his own perspective on what makes Texas special.

“I see why Texas is good, they have a true brotherhood within the program and everybody’s on the same page,” Katoa’s dad said.

Regarding an official visit, Katoa and his family plan to follow up with Texas this week to finalize details. The visit is tentatively set for June 22nd, based on Katoa’s conversations with Flood. When asked where Texas stands in his recruitment, Katoa made it clear they are among his top schools.

“They’re pretty high,” Katoa said. “I like everything. Coach Flood, the way he coaches fast and direct, and Coach Sarkisian, who’s always getting after it with the players. The strength and conditioning staff is really good too.”

Katoa recently named a top five of Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, SMU, and Oklahoma. Katoa is taking his recruitment day by day and talking things over with his dad as he evaluates his options.

Katoa is ranked as the No. 742 overall prospect, the No. 69 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 96 player in Texas. On3 ranks Katoa as the No. 82 interior offensive lineman and the No. 135 player in Texas.

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