Viliami Moala made some major headlines on Monday when he de-committed from Oregon.
The 6-foot-3, 340-pound defensive lineman, rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, elected to reopen his recruitment, as he told Adam Gorney of Rivals that Bill Belichick and the UNC football program have reached out since the announcement was made.
Rivals’ @adamgorney checks in with DT Viliami Moala following his de-commitment from Oregon.
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 8, 2025
North Carolina, Miami, Nebraska, Cal, Utah and Florida have reached out following the announcement.
Read: https://t.co/r06rrZLUQq pic.twitter.com/nXSvepXh2I
To no surprise, North Carolina isn't alone. Moala mentioned that Cal, Florida, Miami, Nebraska and Utah have also reached out to him over the past 24 hours.
A two-way player at the high school level, Moala has the ability to play on either side of the football once he makes his way to college next year. Based on the early outreach, you could expect that the Alabaster, Alabama native will be hearing from plenty more programs before his re-opened recruitment comes to an end.
Greg Biggins, the National Recruiting Analyst at 247Sports, sang high praises for the UNC football program's latest recruiting target:
"Moala is dominant two-way player who is getting looked at equally as a nose guard as well as center/offensive guard in college. On the offensive line, he’s a road grader, very physical and a punishing run blocker. He plays with a mean streak and has just the right amount of nastiness you want to see in the trenches. He’s a good pass blocker as well, light on his feet, moves well laterally and has a strong punch that can jar an opposing tackle. Defensively, he’s more of a straight line bull rusher but shows good hands and a quick first step. He’s a true nose who can handle double teams, stuff the run and win one on one matchups with his strength and toughness. Projects as a high Power 4 prospect who should be able to compete for early playing time in college."
Belichick and the UNC football program haven't been shy on the recruiting trail, especially with regard to the Class of 2026. Depth in the trenches is vital, as North Carolina has gone above-and-beyond to get as much talent there as possible.
Moala is certainly an interesting recruit to keep an eye on for the UNC football program, as the hope is that he'll add to what is already a massive recruiting class for the Tar Heels.