Utah Picks Up Big In-State Commitment Mataalii Benjamin
Oct 29, 2025, 3:38 PM | Updated: Oct 30, 2025, 9:54 am
Utah Utes fans hold up flags in the student section during an NCAA football game between the University of Utah Utes and the Texas Tech University Red Raiders held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah picks up a big one on the recruiting trail, adding a key in-state piece to its 2026 class. Lehi three-star offensive lineman Mataalii Benjamin has committed to Kyle Whittingham and the Utes.
He joins a fantastic class of offensive linemen for Utah, which has served as the foundation of Utah’s physical identity this season. Benjamin announced his commitment publicly on Wednesday:
“After talking with my family and coaches, I’m blessed to say I’m staying home. I’m committed to the University of Utah.” – Mataalii Benjamin.
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Mataalii Benjamin, Priority In-State Prospect For Utah
Benjamin has been on Utah’s board for a while. The staff has made a concerted effort to keep top in-state offensive line talent home, and Benjamin fits the mold: tough, physical, and already playing at a high level in one of the state’s strongest high school programs.
As his recruitment picked up steam, Benjamin committed to Minnesota over the summer. However, the Utes were able to maintain communication with the gifted lineman.
Recently, Benjamin backed off of his commitment and all indications pointed to Utah as the favorite. Benjamin wasted little time in announcing his pledge to the Utes.
I’m staying Home! Lessgooo 🙌🏽#UtahProud #801Football #ForTheFamily #AGTG pic.twitter.com/Z78spsegme
— Mataalii Benjamin (@LiiBenjamin) October 29, 2025
He’s rated a three-star prospect in the 2026 class and is widely viewed as one of the top offensive line recruits in the region. He has drawn interest from multiple power-level programs and had the flexibility to wait deep into the cycle.
Offensive line coach Jim Harding prioritized him and remained a constant presence in this recruitment. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck has commented multiples times on the importance of the offensive line falling just behind the quarterback position.
How He Fits Utah’s Offensive Line Room
At 6-foot-7, 310 pounds, Benjamin projects best to the outside, where he currently plays tackle for Lehi and has the versatility to swing to either side if needed.His game is built on exceptional length and athleticism:
With big-time wingspan and above-average height, he gives defenders a long reach and a wide blocking radius that few high-school arms can match. His drive off the snap is explosive — he fires his lower body hard, creating displacement in the run game and disrupting timing in the pass set.
His multi-sport background shows up in his balance, coordination and foot speed — he mirrors edge rushers, works into space on pulls and second-level blocks, and recovers when things get wild.
He’s still developing — like all high-school tackles he’ll refine technique, especially pad level, anchor transitions and mirror-set consistency — but the physical tools are unmistakable.
With Utah’s track record of turning long, athletic linemen into all-conference performers, this is precisely the kind of high-ceiling prospect they’ve built their program on.
What His Commitment Means for Utah’s Class
Benjamin becomes commitment No. 17 in Utah’s 2026 class, joining key pieces across offense and defense as the Utes continue to build depth across the trenches.
This is another strong foundational pickup for the offensive front. Utah has clear long-term roster needs on the offensive line, and Benjamin gives them a player who already displays the frame, temperament, and power to grow into a strong starter down the line.
He’ll arrive in a room with NFL development expectations, real competition, and proven growth pathways. This commitment also gives Utah another in-state trench talent, and one of the top prospects in the 2026 class at his position.
Benjamin joins fellow offensive linemen Kelvin Obot, Moses Sparks Jr., and Rowdy Pearce in the class.
