The Top Sophomore In Washington: Tevita Nonu

Tevita Nonu is a 4 Star recruit who plays Defensive Tackle at O’Dea High School. Nonu is ranked as the 243rd best recruit in the class of 2027 and is ranked as a top 30 Defensive Tackle in the class as well. In addition, Nonu is listed as the #1 recruit in the state of Washington. He holds offers from schools such as Notre Dame, Washington and Arizona.

Who are some role models in your life?
My parents and my brother. They’ve always supported me and pushed me to be my best.

What artists do you listen to pregame to get hyped up?
Drake is a go-to, and I vibe with whatever our school plays—whatever gets me locked in.

What are the strengths of your game?
I’m a student of the game. I’m always studying, learning, and doing whatever it takes to improve.

What is your favorite memory of your career?
Winning state. There’s nothing like that feeling of seeing all your hard work pay off with your brothers.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with or against?
I’ve had the privilege of playing with some amazing teammates: Jason Brown, Isendre Ahfua, Kyan McDonald, Sage Salopek, and Joseph Fuavai. They’re not just great players but great role models too.

What advice would you give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Work hard and understand the importance of building the right connections. It’s not just talent—it’s who you surround yourself with and how you move.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Australia. I’ve always wanted to experience the culture and landscape there.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
Around 6 years old—I was just a kid, but I knew it was something I loved.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
Aaron Donald or Vita Vea. Both are dominant forces and guys I really look up to.

What is your favorite sports moment as a fan?
Watching the Seahawks win the Super Bowl.