By: Annaliese Gumboc
This afternoon, star Red Raiders Mana Carvalho and Aiden Manutai announced their college decisions in a live broadcast with 247Sports. Carvalho will head to the Utah Utes, while Manutai has committed to the California Golden Bears.
Carvalho, who was born in Utah, has significant family ties to the Utes. His father Stewart was a running back at Utah in the 90s. His older brother Kainoa has also committed to Utah and intends to enroll after returning from his LDS mission.
Last year, Carvalho indicated he had no plans to attend Utah with his brother, especially after sharing the field with him at Kahuku. Evidently, the multi-purpose player has changed his mind.
“Utah was the best fit for me,” Carvalho stated in the broadcast. “I was hoping to go to another school, but I’ll be there before my brother so I can make a name for myself before he gets there.”
Likewise, Manutai won’t be heading to California alone. He’ll play alongside Kahuku teammate LeBron Williams and Campbell quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele, who announced their commitments earlier this summer.
“It was definitely the hardest decision I ever had,” said Manutai. “I just felt Cal was the place I need to be, especially with Jaron and LeBron going to Cal. I know they have the same mentality and the same goals as me, so that’s the people I want to be surrounded by.”
247Sports currently ranks Carvalho as the No. 67 athlete in the nation and the No. 8 prospect in Hawaii for the Class of 2025. Manutai is right behind him as the No. 9 prospect in Hawaii and the No. 62 safety in the nation. Both are key members of Kahuku’s powerhouse defense, with Carvalho earning All Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year this past season.
Led by Carvalho’s uncle, Sterling Carvalho, the Kahuku Red Raiders have won the past three state championship titles. With the 2024 season fast approaching, Carvalho and Manutai will likely play a significant role in Kahuku’s bid to defend their crown.