Billy Napier gave the sign of “Aloha” on his X account on Monday night as Florida received a third commitment in two days for their 2026 recruiting class. Kekua “Rhino” Aumua, a blocking tight end from IMG Academy has officially committed to the University of Florida. His official commitment words: “For the ones who believed in me, Gator boys stay hot!”
The 6’6”, 260lb tight-end from Kahuku, Hawaii is a three-star recruit that is the 37th ranked tight end in the country according to On3 Sports Industry Ranking. He has a strong athletic frame.
Kekua Aumua fits Billy Napier's scheme well
His junior season highlights show impressive size and the ability to hold his ground against defenders and create holes for the offense around him to get through the line of scrimmage and find open field. Aumua also has speed down the field and the ability to make catches as well.
Greg Biggins of 247 Sports describes Aumua as “easily among the best college prospects we saw at the Warrior 4 Youth Camp in July.” Biggins calls him an “every down” tight end who “can play in any situation, shows strong hands, uses his frame to box out smaller linebackers and safeties, and catches the ball well through contact,” which was also shown in his recruitment video.
247 Sports ranks him as the No. 32 tight-end recruit, with a rating of 88.
Napier likes the versatility that Aumua brings at tight end and the fact that he’s a guy who can create mismatches on the field. But in his humble way, Aumua described how he feels, saying he’s just glad he’ll have the opportunity to make an impact on the field.
Aumua is Florida’s second commit from IMG in Florida as earlier this month three-star G’Nivre Carr gave his commitment, making it seven commitments the Gators have received in total.
Prior to committing to Florida, Auamua had offers from Washington, California, North Carolina, and Arizona State as well.
Aumua visited Gainesville originally back in April and had his official visit on June 6th, and he had his family with him.
“I’m glad I got to get my family up here,” he said during his official visit. “It’s my dad and grandma’s first time (on campus) and then my sister and mom have been here a couple times. I’m just glad to get them up here, get them close to the coaches.”
Aumua noted that Napier and Russ Callaway were the main ones making an impact on his recruitment, including communicating with his family and not just him, forming relationship with the whole family, which made a positive impact on Aaumua.