Maika Matelau
Sophomore offensive lineman on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′3″ · 300 lb · Upland, CA · Upland
Recruiting
IOL recruit
No. 13 nationally · Joined Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
2 offensive lineman on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2026.
Maika Matelau
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of Mt. San Antonio College
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for Illinois -- now projected as a quality starter at the position.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
Illinois has produced 5 All-Conference offensive linemen and 1 All-American. 7 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2016. Alex Palczewski was one of them, an All-American.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive line · Illinois
Returning around him
- 21% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -7 net (20 in / 27 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Illinois · Last season: 9-4 (AP #23) · Talent rank #51 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Background
2025 - Mt. San Antonio No. 1 junior college interior lineman in the nation by 247Sports No. 16 junior college player in the nation by 247Sports Offers included Boise State, BYU, California, Colorado, Michigan State, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Utah, Washingt...