Top High School Stars Shine At 2026 Polynesian Bowl In Honolulu

The lights are shining bright in Honolulu as the 2026 Polynesian Bowl takes center stage at Clarence T.C. Ching Field, bringing together 100 of the nation’s most elite high school football players for a night of electrifying action and cultural celebration. The annual all-star showcase, which kicked off at 9 p.m. local time, stands as one of the premier events in the high school football calendar, blending top-tier athleticism with a deep appreciation for Polynesian and Samoan heritage.

It’s not just about the gridiron tonight. This year’s Polynesian Bowl coincides with the enshrinement of the 2026 class of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, making the event all the more significant for the players, their families, and the broader community. The week leading up to the game has been packed with festivities, culminating in a final day of practice at Farrington High School on January 15, where both Team Mauka and Team Makai put the finishing touches on their game plans and clarified their quarterback selections.

For those tuning in from across the country, the NFL Network is providing live national coverage, while cord-cutters can catch the action streaming on Fubo, offering a free trial for new viewers. The anticipation has been mounting all week, and with NFL Ambassadors like Marcus Mariota and DeForest Buckner making appearances, the event’s profile has soared even higher.

The coaching matchup is one for the ages, featuring two former NFL head coaches with impressive resumes. Team Mauka, named for the Hawaiian word for "mountain," is led by Mike Singletary, a Pro and College Football Hall of Famer whose legacy as a fierce linebacker and passionate leader precedes him. Across the field, Team Makai—meaning "ocean" in Hawaiian—is helmed by Doug Pederson, the former NFL quarterback who famously guided the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title in 2017. Their experience and charisma have brought a professional edge to the week’s preparations, and both coaches have spoken about the honor of leading such a talented and diverse group of young athletes.

Singletary’s Team Mauka boasts a roster brimming with future college stars. Quarterback Oscar Rios, hailing from Downey High School in California and committed to Arizona, is expected to command the offense with poise. He’ll have a wealth of options at his disposal, including wide receivers like Jalen Lott (Oregon commit) and Chris Henry, Jr., the Mater Dei standout headed to Ohio State. The backfield features Deshonne Redeaux from Oaks Christian, set to join USC, and Ryelan Morris, a Baylor commit out of Honey Grove, Texas.

On the defensive side, Mauka’s secondary is anchored by talents like Tory Pittman (Nebraska commit) and Jett Washington (Oregon), while the linebacker corps includes Omarii Sanders (Vanderbilt) and Trehsyn Fesili (Idaho State). The trenches are equally formidable, with Jalen Brewster (Texas Tech) and Tomuhini Topui (USC) poised to disrupt Makai’s offensive rhythm.

Team Makai, under Pederson’s guidance, is equally stacked. Quarterbacks Helaman Casuga (Texas A&M commit) and Jayce Johnson (also Texas A&M) have impressed during practice, giving the coaching staff flexibility in their offensive approach. The receiving corps features Jamier Brown (Ohio State), Eathan Feaster (USC), and Xavier Sabb, an uncommitted talent from Glasboro, New Jersey. In the backfield, Noah Roberts and Myson Johnson-Cook are expected to share carries, while tight end Dayton Raiola and Texas A&M-bound Caleb Tafua add size and versatility.

Makai’s defense is led by linebacker Talonoa Ili (USC) and cornerback Dorian Barney (Ole Miss), with a front line anchored by Lamar Brown (LSU) and George Toia. The team’s special teams unit includes Jonathan Genty (Georgia Tech) and long snapper Roman Wazni, ensuring all phases of the game are covered.

Draft-style selections earlier in the week brought a competitive edge to roster construction, with players from across the country and a strong showing from Hawaii’s own high school programs. The event’s mission to spotlight Polynesian and Samoan heritage resonates throughout, with many players proudly representing their roots both on and off the field.

Beyond the game itself, the Polynesian Bowl serves as a major recruiting showcase. College commitments are a hot topic, with dozens of players already pledged to powerhouse programs like Ohio State, USC, Texas A&M, Oregon, and LSU. For the uncommitted prospects, tonight’s performance could be pivotal in securing offers from top college football destinations.

The week’s festivities have also included mentorship sessions and cultural activities, giving the athletes a chance to connect with NFL stars and Hall of Famers. According to The Sporting News, "The Polynesian Bowl was created to highlight top-rated high school football recruits of Polynesian and Samoan heritage." The presence of Marcus Mariota and DeForest Buckner as NFL Ambassadors underscores the game’s importance as a bridge between generations and a platform for future stars to shine.

As the final practice wrapped up at Farrington High School, coaches and players alike expressed excitement for the main event. Team Mauka and Team Makai finalized their starting lineups, with quarterback decisions now set and both offenses eager to showcase their talent. The atmosphere was electric, with families, fans, and scouts gathering in Honolulu for a true celebration of football and culture.

With kickoff underway, all eyes are on Clarence T.C. Ching Field to see which team will seize the moment. Will Singletary’s defensive acumen give Mauka the edge, or can Pederson’s offensive creativity propel Makai to victory? The answer is unfolding in real time, as some of the nation’s brightest young stars look to make their mark on one of the sport’s grandest stages.

Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 Polynesian Bowl is already a win for the players, coaches, and community. The fusion of elite football, cultural pride, and the opportunity for the next generation to shine ensures this event remains a highlight of the sporting year. As the action continues on the field, fans across the country are treated to a unique blend of competition and camaraderie, all set against the stunning backdrop of Honolulu.