A group of serious contenders has emerged for 2025 fast-rising IOL Darius Afalava
Lehi (Utah) Skyridge three-star interior offensive lineman Darius Afalava is planning to commit in December. Until then, he will be pursued by programs across the country.
LSU, Michigan State, Oklahoma, UCLA, Utah and Washington have emerged as serious contenders for Afalava, who may cut down his list of schools soon. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound recruit has already set official visits to UCLA (May 10-12), Michigan State (May 31-June 2), Oklahoma (June 7-9), LSU (June 14-16), Washington (June 21-23) and Utah starting on Oct. 3.
“I feel like all of these schools have been really high on me,” Afalava told On3. “Every school that I named has been really competitive in my recruitment.”
Afalava, who holds over 20 offers, knows he has a long time until revealing his college destination. Yet the No. 3 player in Utah already knows what matters most to him in a school.
“The most important thing for me is how a school can make me into a better man,” said Afalava, the No. 426 overall prospect and No. 34 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “Development, that’s the biggest thing… along with coaches being real. I also want to go to a place that is accessible for my family to come watch me play.”
Oklahoma is a place where Afalava could see himself at
Afalava made his first trip to Oklahoma on April 20. He left Norman with an offer from the Sooners.
Oklahoma’s interest in Afalava grew following his junior season. After visiting the Sooners and interacting with staffers such as offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, Oklahoma is quickly becoming a place where the three-star can envision himself.
“I’m really interested in them,” Afalava said. “I just got the offer and I’ve only visited there one time, but I was able to see the players’ perspective. I didn’t speak only to starters. I was able to talk to different players such as walk-ons. They all said the same thing. The whole environment there was great. The head coach gave me so much love and gave my mom a lot of love too. It really felt like somewhere where I could play.”
Afalava locked in an official visit with Oklahoma this week. He has been in regular contact with Bedenbaugh and the talented offensive lineman and his family are “really excited” to continue learning more about the soon-to-be SEC program.
“I like their whole philosophy,” Afalava said. “The things they say are like the things that my parents say. They speak about being a good person and life after football. I love the way the coaches coach. Coach Bedenbaugh is one of the harder coaches out there and that’s exactly what I love about him… I got to talk personally with some of the players about him. From speaking with them, I know coach Bedenbaugh is a real person and he doesn’t lie.”
LSU is another SEC school on Afalava’s list
Afalava last visited LSU for the Tigers’ win over Texas A&M on Nov. 25. That trip marked his third time in Baton Rouge.
LSU, the only school that Afalava has visited more than once, has made a very strong impression on him. A key reason why is offensive line coach Brad Davis.
“I went to an LSU camp, where I got to get coached by coach Davis firsthand,” Afalava said. “I got to see pros and cons, but there are no cons to getting coached by coach Davis. The whole time I was there, I learned so much that I was able to put into my season. He’s one of the coolest coaches to be around too.”
Afalava has also enjoyed spending time with head coach Brian Kelly and other staffers at LSU, a place that he feels has a unique “aura.” Since he has family in Louisiana, the Beehive State native would feel “comfortable” on campus if he decides to choose the Tigers.
Utah, Washington and Michigan State also have Afalava’s attention
Even though Afalava is looking at schools nationwide, he is still very interested in Utah. He is intrigued by the opportunity to play close to home for the Utes and learn from offensive line coach Jim Harding.
“Coach Harding’s accolades include him being a top offensive line coach and I have family members that play for him,” Afalava said. “It’s the hometown school. It would be cool being near my hometown, playing near my family and not having to worry about them traveling.”
Afalava is also developing a solid connection with Washington’s staff, who he got to know at Arizona before many of its coaches moved to Seattle. The three-star is close with offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Brennan Carroll, who he called the “funniest” coach that he knows.
Another Big Ten school – Michigan State – is also making a move for Afalava. He has not been to the Spartans’ campus yet, but that will change later this month when he makes his official visit to East Lansing.
“The reason I have them so high is because their coaches are from the old Oregon State staff,” Afalava said. “I had a really great connection with the Oregon State staff and they’ve still been really consistent and always calling me every week.”
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