Kana’i Mauga Bio
Kana’i Mauga (born January 8, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans from 2018 to 2021 and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Mauga has spent time with several NFL franchises during his professional career, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and Background
Mauga was born on January 8, 2000, in Waianae, Hawaii. He grew up in his hometown and attended Waianae High School, where he developed into a highly regarded football prospect. During his junior year, he earned third-team all-state honors before delivering a standout senior season in 2017 that saw him named the Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year while recording 52.5 tackles and three defensive touchdowns.
Ranked as a four-star recruit and regarded as the best outside linebacker in the state of Hawaii, Mauga attracted attention from multiple college programs. He ultimately decided to continue his football career at the collegiate level, committing to play for the University of Southern California Trojans.
Path to the NFL
Mauga’s journey from Waianae to college football’s top level required dedication and continuous development. His performance at Waianae High School established him as Hawaii’s top defensive prospect, earning him recognition as the state’s Defensive Player of the Year. This achievement paved the way for his opportunity at the Power Five conference program USC, where he would face significantly tougher competition.
His commitment to USC represented a significant milestone, as he would become just the third alumnus of Waianae High School to reach the NFL, a testament to his work ethic and the development he received in Hawaii’s high school football system.
Kana’i Mauga Career
College Career (2018–2021)
Mauga began his collegiate career at USC as a true freshman in 2018, appearing in all 12 games and recording 14 tackles with two pass breakups. He saw limited action during his first season but gained valuable experience in the Trojans’ defensive scheme while adapting to the speed and complexity of college football at the Power Five level.
His sophomore season in 2019 marked a breakthrough, as he earned his first career start and delivered an impressive performance with 13 tackles, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. He went on to start eight games that season, compiling 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to make plays against high-level competition.
Mauga continued his development during the 2020 season, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, recording 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and an interception in 12 games. In his final season with the Trojans in 2021, he played 12 games and finished with 91 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and an interception. Over his four-year college career, Mauga totaled 206 tackles, six pass breakups, five sacks, and three interceptions before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Professional Career
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Mauga signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He was waived during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad. He remained on the practice squad until November 2022, when he was released.
On December 13, 2022, Mauga was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders on January 9, 2023, securing his spot on the roster for the 2023 season. He was released and re-signed multiple times during training camp before ultimately being signed to the active roster on September 30, 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2022–2024)
Mauga made his NFL debut in the Raiders’ Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2023 season, achieving a significant milestone by becoming the third alumnus of Waianae High School to reach the NFL. This accomplishment represented the culmination of years of hard work and served as inspiration for football players in his home state. He was placed on injured reserve in late October but activated in December before being placed back on injured reserve with a knee injury. Mauga finished the 2023 season having played in five games and recording three tackles.
On April 25, 2025, Mauga was waived by the Raiders, ending his tenure with the team that had given him his first real opportunity on an NFL active roster.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025)
Following his release from the Raiders, Mauga signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on May 12, 2025. He competed for a roster spot during training camp but was released on August 26. He subsequently re-signed to the Chargers’ practice squad, where he spent additional time developing in the NFL system. He was released from the practice squad on October 7, 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2025)
On December 3, 2025, Mauga signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, providing him with another opportunity with a storied NFL franchise. He was released by the Steelers on December 19, concluding his time with the organization.
Orlando Storm (2026–present)
On May 12, 2026, Mauga signed with the Orlando Storm of the United Football League, continuing his professional football career in the emerging spring league. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he sought to establish himself at the professional level.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Mauga has demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming setbacks. His journey from undrafted free agent to NFL roster player highlights his persistence in pursuing his professional football dreams. His NFL debut against the Los Angeles Chargers represented a personal milestone, as he became part of an exclusive group of Waianae High School alumni to reach the professional level. His college career at USC produced solid statistics, including 206 total tackles, five sacks, and three interceptions over four seasons.
Kana’i Mauga Career Statistics
Mauga’s professional career has seen limited statistical output through his NFL tenure, with most of his experience coming on practice squads and in limited game action. His college career provided more extensive production, with his 206 tackles at USC serving as the foundation of his statistical profile.
College Statistics (USC 2018–2021)
Over four seasons at USC, Mauga established himself as a reliable contributor to the Trojans’ defense. His 206 career tackles demonstrated his consistency and ability to be around the football. He added six pass breakups, five sacks, and three interceptions, showing versatility in pass coverage and the ability to pressure the quarterback. His production increased each season, culminating in a 91-tackle senior year that showcased his development into a complete linebacker.
Professional NFL Statistics
In his NFL career through the 2024 season, Mauga recorded six total tackles across limited game appearances. His time with the Las Vegas Raiders provided his most extensive NFL playing time, with three tackles coming during the 2023 season. The transition from college to professional football proved challenging, but Mauga continued to work toward earning a consistent role at the NFL level.
| Competition | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (USC) | 48 | 206 | 5 | 3 |
| NFL Career | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Kana’i Mauga Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Kana’i Mauga’s family background and parents are not extensively documented in available sources. He was born and raised in Waianae, Hawaii, where he attended Waianae High School and developed his football skills before embarking on his collegiate and professional career.
Personal Life
Mauga maintains a public profile on social media platforms including Instagram, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his football career. His journey from Waianae, Hawaii to college football at USC and subsequent professional career has made him a notable figure in his home community. Other personal details including marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly documented or verified.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a period of transition for Mauga following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders in April. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in May, competing for a spot on their roster during the offseason and training camp. After being released during final roster cuts, he was re-signed to the practice squad in September, continuing his development within the Chargers organization.
Following his release from the Chargers in October, Mauga signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad in December, providing him with another opportunity to showcase his abilities. Although his time with both organizations during 2025 was limited to practice squad activity, these signings demonstrated continued interest from NFL teams in his potential as a linebacker.
Throughout the 2025 season, Mauga faced the challenges that many undrafted players encounter in establishing themselves at the professional level. His ability to remain in the NFL ecosystem through practice squad roster spots reflected his persistence and the value he brings as a special teams player and depth at the linebacker position. His journey through multiple organizations during the season underscored the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot.