The Polynesian Bowl wrapped up Friday night in Hawaii, closing out a week that showcased some of the top high school football talent in the country. And if you're an Oregon Ducks fan, there was plenty to like.
Five incoming Ducks suited up for the all-star event, and each one made their presence felt throughout the week - both in practice and under the Friday night lights.
Let’s start with wide receiver Jalen Lott, who turned heads all week in practice and carried that momentum into the game. Lott consistently created separation, showed off reliable hands, and made defenders miss in space.
His combination of length and agility made him a tough cover, and he backed it up with a handful of catches during the game. It was the kind of performance that reinforces why Oregon fans should be excited about what he brings to the receiver room.
In the trenches, Tommy Tofi got the nod at left guard for Team Mauka and didn’t disappoint. He held his own in one-on-one drills during the week and followed that up with a solid showing in pass protection during the game.
Tofi’s balance and hand placement stood out - traits that should translate well at the next level. Fellow incoming Duck Koloi Keli also saw time on the offensive line, rotating in at center and contributing to a front that helped control the line of scrimmage.
On the defensive side, Jett Washington started at free safety for Team Mauka and helped anchor a unit that held Team Makai to just three points. Washington’s range and instincts were on display, and he looked comfortable patrolling the back end - a promising sign for Oregon’s future secondary.
Davon Benjamin, the lone Duck on Team Makai, played at cornerback and also handled punt return duties. While his team came up short, Benjamin showed flashes of the athleticism and versatility that make him a valuable addition to Oregon’s incoming class.
Team Mauka, with four future Ducks on the roster, came out on top 14-3. But beyond the scoreboard, the real win for Oregon was seeing its next wave of talent not just compete, but stand out on a national stage. If this week was any indication, the Ducks have some serious reinforcements on the way.