BYU Football’s Recruiting Game UPGRADED to Blue Blood Status With Moa Havili's 'Dream School' Pledge

BYU Football lands a cornerstone for its future defense as prized recruit Maa'imoa "Moa" Havili, Granger High School’s dominant 6’3”, 300-pound defensive tackle, commits to the Cougars over top offers from the likes of Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Cal, and Utah, among others. Once overlooked with just two offers at the start of May, Havili’s meteoric rise to over a dozen elite Power 4 programs signals a major recruiting victory for BYU. Calling BYU his “dream school” and “the Lord’s University,” Havili’s commitment not only reflects his deep connection to the program but also confirms the Cougars’ growing influence as a Big 12 power. With plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and join the roster in the 2029 season, is Havili the anchor who will redefine BYU’s defensive identity? Jake Hatch examines why Havili’s commitment could be a game-changer for BYU, praising his rare blend of size, speed, and tenacity—hallmarks of a future multi-year starter in Provo. The analysis investigates how BYU’s recruiting has reached unprecedented heights, driven by the persistent work of Sione po'uha, Kelly Poppinga, and head coach Kalani Sitake. The discussion dives into the broader strategy behind BYU’s recruiting surge, pointing to a talent base that has steadily improved since the Cougars joined the Big 12, highlighting concurrent wins such as the addition of four-star defensive tackle Jeremiah Williams. Will this formidable tandem mark a new chapter in BYU’s quest to build an elite defensive front? Key talking points encompass BYU’s ability to compete with traditional recruiting powerhouses for top-tier talent, the developmental pipeline shaped by mission-bound athletes, and the ripple effects these commitments have throughout the program. Hatch also sheds light on how new and familiar faces in the coaching staff maintain BYU’s upward momentum, even as influential figures like Jay Hill depart. The episode underscores BYU’s transformation from a Mountain West and Independent team to emerging Big 12 contender—raising expectations for performance on the national stage. Will the influx of four-star prospects and enhanced recruiting lead to perennial College Football Playoff contention? Can BYU continue to capitalize on its newfound appeal to elite high school athletes? All signs point to a bright future as the Cougars elevate their talent base and solidify their presence among college football’s heavyweights. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.