Utah Lands Versatile DB Aisa Galea’i in 2026 Recruiting Class
The early signing period is underway, and Utah is wasting no time locking in key pieces for its 2026 recruiting class. One of the latest additions? Orem (UT) standout defensive back Aisa Galea’i, who officially put pen to paper with the Utes.
A local product with a versatile skill set, Galea’i had his pick of programs. He chose Utah after also visiting UCLA and BYU this past summer, ultimately joining a wave of late-June commitments that helped solidify the Utes' class. In total, he held 17 offers, with Arizona State, Miami, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona all in the mix.
A Fit That Makes Sense
What makes Galea’i such an intriguing pickup for Utah is his versatility. He’s the kind of athlete who gives a defensive coordinator options. Whether he lines up at safety or slides into a nickel role, Galea’i brings a toolset that fits right into the mold of what Utah has built in its secondary over the years-smart, physical, and instinctive defenders who can be moved around the formation.
He’s not just a defensive weapon, either. Galea’i has proven to be a difference-maker on special teams, returning both punts and kickoffs for touchdowns this season. Add in his offensive snaps at Orem High, and you’re looking at a well-rounded athlete with a nose for the football and a flair for big plays.
Physically, there’s still room to grow. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Galea’i will need to add some weight to handle the rigors of Pac-12 (or whatever the conference landscape looks like by then) football. But the foundation is there-speed, instincts, ball skills, and a willingness to hit.
Not Rushed, But Ready
Utah won’t need Galea’i to step in and contribute right away. The projected depth in the secondary gives him time to develop under the guidance of defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley and his staff. That’s a good thing for both sides-Galea’i gets to refine his game, and Utah adds another high-upside piece to a unit that’s been one of the program’s calling cards.
By the Numbers
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 185 lbs
- 247Sports Rating: ★★★ (87 rating)
- National Safety Rank: #133
- Utah State Rank: #16
- Composite Rating: ★★★ (.8611)
- Composite Utah Rank: #22
What the Tape Shows
Turn on the film, and Galea’i jumps off the screen. He’s a ball hawk in every sense-reading quarterbacks, jumping routes, and making plays that flip momentum.
He’s comfortable in both zone and man coverage, showing the ability to keep his eyes on the quarterback in zone while breaking quickly to disrupt plays. In man, he’s fluid in his hips, changes direction well, and sticks with receivers through their routes.
He’s also a willing tackler, and not just in a wrap-you-up-and-fall-down kind of way. Galea’i brings some pop.
He plays with an edge, looking to deliver a hit when the opportunity presents itself. That kind of physicality, paired with his instincts and versatility, makes him a natural fit for Utah’s aggressive, disciplined defensive philosophy.
The Bottom Line
Aisa Galea’i isn’t just a solid in-state pickup-he’s a player who fits the Utah blueprint. He’s versatile, physical, and instinctive, with the kind of upside that could turn into something special once he’s had time in the program.
Don’t expect him to be thrown into the fire right away, but don’t be surprised if he becomes a name to watch in a couple of years. The Utes have built their defense on players like this-and Galea’i looks ready to follow that tradition.