On the first play of his HUDL highlight film Tommy Tofi locks up an opposing defensive end on a running play to his side and drives him from the hashmark all the way to the sideline, pancaking the hapless defender into his own teammates.
As a pass protector he walls off the left side like Penei Sewell with a graceful kick step and perfect hand placement. He has a violent first strike and a warrior's persistence.
Tofi committed to Cal on June 3rd. His brother John, class of 2025, is joining the team in a few days after signing with the Bears in December. His father John Sr. played college basketball at UTEP, a 6-9 forward who averaged 13.9 points a game for the Miners and played eight pro seasons in Belgium.
The younger Tofi played varsity basketball as a freshman, a great double for an offensive lineman as it builds agility. He moves amazingly well for a junior who's already grown to to 6-6, 335.
He averaged about five points and five rebounds a game as a freshman. He plays both ways in football and before his recruiting heated up, he threw the shot put in the spring.
Check out Tommy Tofi's 2024 Jr SZN Highlights on @Hudl https://t.co/UpBwe4jS6f #hudl
— California Golden Bears on SI (@jakecurtis53) June 3, 2025
Tofi grew early, 6-6, 330 as a freshman. He's had time to grow into his size, and it shows in agility and ferocity. He executes. He puts people away.
This is TOMMY TOFI 6’7” 335 lbs, who took home the Los Angeles RIVALS CAMP O-LINE MVP‼️ His size is one thing, but his athletic ability is why he’s considered one of the top Offensive Linemen in the country. Watching his film, his great footwork and athleticism is what helps him… pic.twitter.com/dQPUDDZ2wC
— Big Dave Uiagalelei (@DUiagalelei) March 6, 2025
The 2026 prospect and Polynesian Bowl All-Star ranks No. 152 at Rivals, the nation's No. 15 offensive tackle.
Despite his commitment to Cal, there's a window of opportunity with Tofi. He canceled a visit to Miami scheduled for June 20. Distance isn't a primary factor. He told Matt Ray of Volquest, “I just want to go somewhere where I could best fit and, also, where they can help me with my development in this whole process.”
He chose the Bears after an official visit on June 3, telling Brandon Huffman of 247, “I want to cement my legacy as a hometown hero in the Bay Area." Playing with his older brother and a strong Poly brotherhood on the team were huge draws.
Still, he hasn't shut down his recruitment, and the Bears have had five losing seasons in a row under Justin Wilcox, 6-7 last season after a move to the ACC. Cal hasn't had a lineman selected in the NFL draft since center Brian Schwenke went in the fourth round in 2013.
If development is a crucial factor, there's a decent chance Tofi reconsiders the Ducks, who've had two first-rounders in Sewell and Conerly, plus second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson in the last few seasons.