Oregon Center Laloulu Inspired By Hometown Of Kailhi

Oregon center Laloulu inspired by hometown of Kailhi
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off this week, featuring players from Hawaii across three different matchups. Among them are seven athletes representing the No. 1-seeded Oregon Ducks, including standout sophomore center Iapani Laloulu, a Farrington High School graduate.

Laloulu has been a cornerstone for Oregon’s offensive line, helping the Ducks achieve an undefeated 13-0 record and a Big Ten championship this season. The 6-foot-2, 325-pound center was a true freshman All-American in 2023, appearing in all 14 games and earning his first career start at center during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. This season, he has anchored the line, drawing inspiration from his Kalihi roots.

“Yeah, man, I really love my community,” Laloulu told college football reporter AP Steadham. “I grew up in Kalihi, in public housing at Kuhio Park Terrace. It’s inspiration to always remember where I came from—humble beginnings. You can take the boy out of Hawaii, but you can’t take the Hawaii out of the boy.”

Laloulu shares the Hawaii spotlight at Oregon with Heisman Trophy finalist and starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a 2019 Mililani High School graduate. Despite their age difference, Laloulu and Gabriel share a unique bond rooted in their Hawaii connection.

“I love that dude,” Laloulu said. “It’s kind of a crazy story—he played with my cousins at Mililani. I remember going to one of their games and seeing Dillon play. I always tease him, like, ‘Hey man, you still in college? I was in middle school when you started!’”

The Ducks will face No. 8 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, with Laloulu and Gabriel set to lead Oregon in its quest for a national title. Laloulu credits his family and friends in Hawaii for their unwavering support.

“Shout out to everyone in the 808—my family, my mom, my dad, all my siblings and cousins, and my boys from the 15-hundred block,” Laloulu said. “Thank you for all the aloha and support. I wish nothing but the best and blessings upon you and your family.”

The winner of the Oregon-Ohio State game will advance to face the winner of Texas and Arizona State, both of which also feature Hawaii high school graduates. In the other quarterfinal matchups, Boise State takes on Penn State, and Notre Dame faces Georgia.

Hawai’i Players in the CFP quarterfinals:

Oregon