ALSO : For the Second Time, BYU Football Reverses the Commitment of the Same Four – Star Offensive Tackle.
In an unexpected yet celebrated recruiting twist, BYU football has once again secured the commitment of four-star offensive tackle Alai Kalaniuvalu, a high-profile prospect who has now flipped between schools twice. This unique recruiting saga highlights both the evolving nature of college football recruitment and BYU’s increasing competitiveness on the national stage.
Kalaniuvalu, a dominant offensive lineman from powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, originally committed to the University of Oregon in mid-2024. At the time, his decision was seen as a major win for the Ducks, as Kalaniuvalu had attracted attention from many of the nation’s top programs, including Alabama, USC, Ohio State, and Utah.
However, just months after that initial pledge, Kalaniuvalu announced a surprising change of heart in November 2024 and flipped his commitment to BYU. That decision was short-lived, though, as he signed a National Letter of Intent with Oregon in December during the early signing period.
The drama didn’t end there. In an even more astonishing development, BYU reversed the commitment again in May 2025, flipping Kalaniuvalu back into their 2025 recruiting class—just five months after he signed with Oregon. While rare, this type of back-and-forth movement is not entirely unprecedented in the current era of NIL deals, transfer portals, and family influence. However, it’s uncommon for the same player to flip between two Power Five programs twice in less than a year.
Sources close to Kalaniuvalu suggest that family connections played a major role in his final decision. His brother-in-law, Sonny Makasini, is a current BYU offensive lineman. That familial tie, combined with Kalaniuvalu’s values and comfort with BYU’s coaching staff and environment, may have tipped the scales in favor of the Cougars.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff have been quietly building one of the strongest recruiting classes in program history. Kalaniuvalu’s recommitment marks the 11th four-star player to join BYU during this recruiting cycle—an unprecedented haul for a program not traditionally known for landing top-tier national recruits.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing over 290 pounds, Kalaniuvalu projects as a future interior offensive lineman at the collegiate level. His power, agility, and technique made him a coveted prospect, and BYU is hopeful he will become an anchor on the offensive line in the years to come.
Though Kalaniuvalu has recently begun a two-year LDS mission, BYU fans and coaches are already anticipating his return. His commitment—twice reversed—represents not just a recruiting victory, but also a symbol of BYU’s growing appeal and resilience in the ever-changing college football landscape.