The Oklahoma Sooners got some good news from the recruiting trail recently from a priority target in the 2026 cycle.
Pupungatoa Katoa announced via social media he’s down to a top schools list that has just three remaining. The Crimson and Cream made the cut alongside the likes of SMU and Texas A&M.
Katoa narrows his focus from an offer sheet of more than 20 schools, featuring 23 total, down to this trio of finalists. It’s also worth noting that not too long ago, Katoa released a top-five list. Back then, Texas and Tennessee were in the race but have since been removed with this new top-three out.
So, that leaves just the Sooners, Mustangs and Aggies in pursuit of one of the more coveted front liners in the south central region.
According to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Player Rankings, the world of recruiting combines to see Katoa as the No. 684 overall recruit in the 2026 recruiting class. The three-star also rates as the No. 57 interior offensive lineman nationally and the No. 87 player in the state of Texas. As for the 247Sports Network’s specific rankings, our panel of national experts have Katoa as the No. 69 interior front liner of the ’26 cycle and the No. 102 prospect inside the talented Lone Star State.
Katoa stands at a verified 6-foot-3.5 and 365-pounds. His massive frame does translate to his game as Katoa is the definition of a road grader. Powerful, heavy handed and aggressive, Katoa is a menace as a power scheme run blocker.
There is one 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction in regarding Katoa’s recruitment. The lone forecast favors the Texas Longhorns with the confidence level set at six overall out of 10. But as is now known, Texas is no longer in the mix for Katoa. This essentially means the recruitment of Katoa has become wide open.
”Growing up, I didn’t really watch football,” Katoa previously told 247Sports. “So I don’t really have any favorite teams.”
Katoa will take official visits with all three of his finalists this summer. It’s widely expected that he makes a decision following these trips.
It’ll be SMU on May 2, Oklahoma on June 6 and Texas A&M on June 13 for the OV slate. Each staff will hope for some good news out of this movement.
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