Kana’i Mauga Bio
Kana’i Mauga (born January 8, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the USC Trojans and signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He is currently a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and Background
Kana’i Mauga was born on January 8, 2000, in Waianae, Hawaii. He grew up on the Leeward Coast of Oahu and attended Waianae High School, where he developed into one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in the state. As a junior, he earned third-team all-state recognition before being named the Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
During that 2017 senior campaign, Mauga totaled 52.5 tackles and scored three defensive touchdowns, establishing himself as a disruptive playmaker on the high school level. Rated a four-star recruit and the top outside linebacker in Hawaii, he drew attention from college programs across the country. He ultimately committed to play college football at the University of Southern California, choosing the Trojans over other suitors.
Path to American Football
Mauga’s progression from a Waianae High School standout to a Division I starter reflected a steady climb through the ranks of competitive football. His Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year award and four-star ranking marked him as a priority recruit, and his commitment to USC represented a significant step from local Hawaiian competition to one of the Pac-12’s most prominent defensive programs.
Arriving in Los Angeles in 2018, Mauga transitioned into a college environment that demanded both physical and mental adjustments. The Trojans’ defensive system, combined with the higher level of competition, helped him refine his instincts at the linebacker position. By the time he finished his senior season, he had declared for the National Football League Draft, completing his development from high school star to professional prospect.
Kana’i Mauga Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Mauga enrolled at USC in 2018 and appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman, recording 14 tackles and two pass breakups. The experience gave him a foundation in the Trojans’ defensive scheme, and in 2019 he earned his first start, posting 13 tackles, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in that debut. He finished the year with eight starts, compiling 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass breakups.
The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Mauga tally 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. In his final collegiate season in 2021, he played all 12 games and produced 91 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. He declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, ending his USC career with 206 tackles, six pass breakups, five sacks, and three interceptions.
Denver Broncos (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Mauga signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and re-signed to the team’s practice squad the same day. His time in Denver was short, as he was released from the practice squad on November 1, 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022–2025)
On December 13, 2022, Mauga joined the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad, later signing a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023. After brief releases and re-signings during the 2023 preseason, he was promoted to the active roster on September 30 and made his NFL debut in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming the third alumni of Waianae High School to reach the NFL. A knee injury sent him to injured reserve twice that season, and he finished 2023 with three tackles across five games played.
Mauga remained with the Raiders organization through the 2024 season. On April 25, 2025, he was waived by Las Vegas, ending his tenure with the club.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025)
On May 12, 2025, Mauga signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was released on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad on September 9, 2025. His stint with the Chargers concluded when he was released on October 7, 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2025)
On December 3, 2025, Mauga signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad. He was released by the Steelers on December 19, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Mauga’s most significant career moment came on September 30, 2023, when he made his NFL debut with the Las Vegas Raiders against the Los Angeles Chargers. In doing so, he became the third alumnus of Waianae High School to play in the National Football League, a milestone that underscored the growing pipeline of talent from his hometown. He also earned the title of Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, capping a celebrated high school career.
Kana’i Mauga Career Stats
Across his professional career, Kana’i Mauga has recorded limited regular-season statistics, with three tackles over five games played during the 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. His remaining time has largely been spent on practice squads with the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kana’i Mauga Family
Personal Life
Kana’i Mauga was born and raised in Waianae, Hawaii, a tight-knit community on the island of Oahu. He attended Waianae High School, where his football development shaped the early arc of his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Kana’i Mauga move through three different organizations, beginning with his release from the Las Vegas Raiders on April 25, 2025. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on May 12, but was released on August 26 before being re-signed to the practice squad on September 9. He was released from the Chargers’ practice squad on October 7, 2025.
Shortly after his release from Los Angeles, Mauga joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on December 3, 2025. He was released by the Steelers on December 19, 2025, closing out a season defined by movement between practice squads and active rosters.
Looking ahead, Mauga’s experience across multiple organizations and his connection to the Waianae High School football tradition could open further opportunities in the league.