COMMITTED: Massive Recruiting Victory for Dan Lanning and the Ducks as Four-Star Defensive Lineman Koloi Keli Flips Commitment From Cal to Oregon, Adding Firepower to an Already Stacked 2025 Class… Read more.
Oregon continues to flex its recruiting muscles under head coach Dan Lanning, and the Ducks landed another major win on the trail with the flip of four-star defensive lineman Koloi Keli, who announced his decommitment from Cal and his commitment to Oregon on Thursday.
Keli, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound force out of Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii, had been committed to Cal since early spring, but Oregon’s persistent pursuit—anchored by defensive line coach Tony Tuioti and Lanning himself—ultimately turned the tide. The Ducks’ strong track record of developing defensive talent and their growing national profile under Lanning played a major role in Keli’s decision to make the switch.
Ranked as one of the top defensive linemen on the West Coast in the 2025 class, Keli brings both versatility and explosiveness to the trenches. He’s known for his quick first step, violent hands, and the ability to play multiple spots across the defensive front. His blend of size, athleticism, and motor makes him a valuable addition to a defensive unit that’s already shaping up to be one of the most dangerous in the Big Ten.
In his junior season, Keli posted 63 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks, showcasing both consistency and playmaking ability against top competition. That kind of production, combined with his ceiling at the next level, drew offers from multiple Power Five programs including USC, Washington, Michigan, and Texas. But it’s Oregon that emerged as the ideal fit for Keli’s development and long-term aspirations.
This flip is more than just a late-summer recruiting victory—it’s a statement. As Oregon transitions into the Big Ten, stacking elite defensive line talent is critical for long-term success in a conference known for physical football and deep, battle-tested trenches. Keli joins a 2025 class that already includes fellow high-upside defenders such as edge rusher Elijah Rushing, linebacker Nasir Wyatt, and safety Tavake Tuulima, giving the Ducks one of the most balanced defensive hauls in the nation.
Keli also continues Oregon’s growing pipeline in the state of Hawaii, a region that’s becoming increasingly important in the Ducks’ national recruiting strategy. The staff’s attention to relationship-building, cultural fit, and long-term development continues to resonate with elite Polynesian talent.
For Oregon, flipping Keli from a Pac-12 rival only adds to the momentum heading into fall. And for Keli, it’s a new chapter—one that begins in Eugene, where he’ll have a chance to contribute early, grow under elite coaching, and compete for championships in one of college football’s most exciting environments.
This recruitment isn’t just a win—it’s a foundational piece in Lanning’s vision for Oregon’s future.
