In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, few prospects carry the combination of size, skill, and untapped potential quite like 6-foot-7 offensive lineman Samson Kaleikau. Hailing from the remote football outpost of Honolulu, Hawaii, the four-star recruit has taken the recruiting world by storm, and now, after months of visits, evaluations, and conversations, Kaleikau has narrowed his list of finalists to four programs: Alabama, Oregon, Michigan, and USC.
This revelation immediately triggered a frenzy across fanbases and coaching staffs alike, but it was the Crimson Tide faithful who were perhaps most invigorated. Under the direction of first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has redefined its recruiting identity with a renewed emphasis on versatility, toughness, and upside — all qualities Kaleikau embodies. With his elite frame, agile footwork, and room to grow technically, Samson Kaleikau could very well become the cornerstone of Alabama’s offensive line for years to come.
Let’s dive into the profile of this standout lineman, how Alabama positioned itself in his final four, and what it would mean for the Crimson Tide if Kaleikau decides to take his talents from the islands to Tuscaloosa.
Meet Samson Kaleikau: Hawaii’s Top Offensive Line Prospect
Kaleikau, currently rated as the No. 12 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in Hawaii according to 247Sports, plays for Saint Louis School in Honolulu — a powerhouse program that has produced legends like Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa. Known for its dominant run in Hawaii prep football, Saint Louis emphasizes technique, conditioning, and discipline, all of which have helped Kaleikau develop into a high-ceiling, high-character athlete.
At 6-foot-7 and nearly 300 pounds, Kaleikau possesses the prototypical size for a left tackle at the next level. However, what truly separates him is his nimble footwork and natural athleticism. Coaches often note how fluidly he moves in pass protection, rarely getting beat off the edge, and how he uses his reach to neutralize top-tier defensive ends. Though he’s still refining his hand placement and core strength, there is a consensus among scouts that Kaleikau has the potential to be an All-American at the college level — and perhaps even an early-round NFL draft pick.
His upside isn’t lost on Alabama’s staff, which has made him a priority target throughout the spring.
How Alabama Made the Cut
The Crimson Tide entered the race for Kaleikau under somewhat different circumstances compared to past years. With the departure of Nick Saban and the arrival of Kalen DeBoer, there were questions about whether Alabama could maintain its recruiting dominance. But DeBoer, along with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, has hit the trail hard — and early — showing that the Tide still command national respect.
According to sources close to the recruitment, Kaleikau’s first real contact with Alabama came during the February contact period, when Kapilovic flew to Honolulu to evaluate him in person. That visit laid the groundwork for an official offer and a subsequent rise in interest from both sides.
What truly impressed Kaleikau and his family was the genuine nature of Alabama’s approach. “They weren’t just talking about football,” his father told a local Hawaiian sports station. “They talked about life after football, development, academics. That made an impact.”
Since then, Kaleikau has taken an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa and is scheduled to return for an official visit in mid-June. He’s expected to be on campus during Alabama’s annual summer OL camp, where the staff hopes to continue building rapport and showing him the environment he could be part of.
The Competition: Oregon, Michigan, and USC
Alabama faces stiff competition in the battle for Kaleikau’s signature.
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have long been a favorite for Kaleikau due to geographic proximity, Polynesian cultural ties, and their offensive system under Dan Lanning. Oregon has done well recruiting the West Coast and the islands in recent years and pitches immediate playing time as a key part of their strategy. Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh has already made three trips to Hawaii this year alone.
Michigan Wolverines
Fresh off a national championship and with Sherrone Moore now firmly in control of the program, Michigan represents a compelling blend of success, development, and tradition. The Wolverines have produced multiple NFL linemen in recent years, and Kaleikau has noted their physical brand of football aligns with his style of play. He’s scheduled to officially visit Ann Arbor in early June.
USC Trojans
Lincoln Riley and USC offer the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, a major draw for any West Coast recruit. Offensive line development has improved under Riley’s staff, and they’ve made it clear that Kaleikau would be a foundational piece of their 2025 class. His comfort level with the Polynesian community in Southern California is also a factor.
Why Alabama Is Still in Prime Position
Despite the geographical disadvantage, Alabama has several key advantages in its pursuit of Kaleikau:
- NFL Pipeline – Alabama’s track record of producing offensive line talent is unmatched. Names like Evan Neal, Cam Robinson, Jedrick Wills Jr., and others continue to thrive in the NFL, a clear signal to elite prospects that Tuscaloosa is where careers are launched.
- New Vision Under DeBoer – Recruits are buying into the fresh energy and innovative style DeBoer brings. His offensive staff, especially Kapilovic, has made it a point to prioritize Kaleikau as a day-one impact player.
- Cultural Fit and Personal Attention – The Tide have made Kaleikau feel valued beyond the gridiron. According to those close to the family, Alabama’s emphasis on education, support systems, and development away from the field may be the deciding factor.
- Immediate Need – Alabama’s current offensive line depth chart suggests a real chance for early playing time. With multiple upperclassmen likely to declare for the draft after 2025, the path for Kaleikau to contribute early is realistic and enticing.
Scouting Breakdown: Kaleikau’s Fit in Alabama’s Scheme
Kaleikau would likely slot in as a blindside protector in Alabama’s system, a role vacated after the expected 2025 departure of starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor. DeBoer’s offense emphasizes mobility and quick reads, making foot speed and balance paramount — traits Kaleikau already demonstrates at a high level.
His experience in a pass-heavy Saint Louis School offense will serve him well transitioning to DeBoer’s scheme. With room to grow physically, especially in the weight room, he could become a three-year starter with the potential to be a Rimington or Outland Trophy finalist by his junior season.
Moreover, his personality — humble, hard-working, and team-first — meshes well with Alabama’s locker room culture.
The Bigger Picture: Alabama’s 2025 Recruiting Class
Landing Samson Kaleikau would represent a major statement for Kalen DeBoer’s first full recruiting cycle. As of now, Alabama’s 2025 class sits just outside the top 10 nationally but continues to gain momentum. Securing Kaleikau would not only fill a crucial positional need but could also signal to other top national recruits that Alabama remains a premier destination despite recent coaching changes.
Additionally, Kaleikau’s commitment could help Alabama tap deeper into the Hawaiian and Polynesian pipelines that other programs like Oregon, Utah, and USC have leveraged in recent cycles. With Kaleikau as a potential ambassador, Alabama could expand its recruiting reach even further into the Pacific.
What’s Next: Decision Timeline and Key Dates
Kaleikau is expected to take official visits to each of his four finalists over the summer, beginning with Michigan and Alabama in June, followed by Oregon and USC in July. He has stated that he would like to make a decision before his senior season kicks off in late August.
Each visit will carry immense weight, but insiders believe Alabama and Oregon have emerged as the two programs with the most momentum entering the summer. The Tide, in particular, are banking on the official visit to Tuscaloosa to make a lasting impression.
If that visit goes as planned — showcasing the facilities, the family atmosphere, and the development plan tailored to Kaleikau — Alabama could find itself on the winning end of one of the most unique and nationally impactful recruiting battles of the cycle.
Final Thoughts
The recruitment of Samson Kaleikau represents more than just adding another four-star offensive lineman to Alabama’s depth chart. It’s a test of the new Alabama identity — post-Saban, but still elite. A win here would not only prove that the DeBoer era is built to last, but that Alabama’s national brand, development track record, and commitment to excellence remain as powerful as ever.
As the countdown to his decision continues, all eyes from Honolulu to Tuscaloosa will be on the 6-foot-7 giant from the islands. Will the next great Alabama lineman come from paradise? The Crimson Tide are doing everything in their power to make sure the answer is yes.
