Eighth Grade California DT Offered by Oklahoma State

I’ve been covering Oklahoma State recruiting a long time, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the coaching staff offer an eighth-grader.

Until now.

Over the weekend, eighth grade phenom Kaho Leka Tuihalamaka, from California, announced that during an unofficial visit the Cowboys extended him a scholarship offer. My guess is that as soon as he stood next to Gundy and dwarfed him, Gundy made the offer on the spot.

I am thankful to receive an offer from Oklahoma State University. All glory belongs to God pic.twitter.com/W0aNxZewKQ

— Kaho Leka Tuihalamaka (@KahoLeka) November 30, 2019

Tuihalamaka is the younger brother of current OSU defensive tackle Samuela Tuihalamaka, who signed with OSU in 2018. He redshirted last season but has seen extensive playing time as a redshirt freshman this season.

The younger Tuihalamaka has already garnered as much recruiting interest as a pre-high schooler than the elder Tuihalamaka did in high school. Samuela was offered by Louisiana, Howard, Idaho State and OSU before eventually committing to OSU. Kaho Leka, meanwhile, has already garnered offers from OSU, Arizona State and Hawaii — all before he’s of legal driving age.

It will be interesting to see how the familial connection OSU has here plays into his decision. Good on OSU for making the early offer, regardless of his age, knowing that it has a star-in-waiting on campus.