The University of Hawai‘i’s football program has high hopes for its linebacking corps this season, a unit that coach Chris Brown has already labeled the most talented he has ever assembled.
A Deep‑Rooted Tradition
At the heart of the group are seniors Wynden Ho‘ohuli and Jamih Otis, the latter returning from a torn ACL that kept him sidelined for much of last year.
Adding to the mix is sophomore Aisiah 'Scoob' Paogofie, a 2025 graduate of Campbell High School who has forced his way into the starting lineup with a blend of speed, physicality and instincts that have impressed Brown.
A Family Legacy Meets New Ambitions
Paogofie’s emergence is not just a personal story; it is intertwined with a family lineage that includes his uncle, former Wai‘anae High School star Chris Paogofie, and his cousin Darius Muasau, currently making waves in the NFL with the New York Giants.
Recruited out of Minnesota, where he was born, Paogofie moved to Hawai‘i as a child and earned the nickname 'Scoob' from a teammate who saw in him the same relentless curiosity as the cartoon dog Scooby‑Doo.
Brown’s early scouting predicted that Paogofie would grow into a 220‑pound linebacker capable of anchoring the box and finding the ball, a projection that has materialized in practice drills and scrimmages.
After redshirting his freshman year, he split snaps at running back and safety, flashing the versatility that the coaching staff believes will translate into a dominant defensive role.
Opening Battle Against Stanford
The Lion’s Den will test its chemistry in the season opener against Stanford on August 29, a game that will give Paogofie his first real shot at earning extended snaps and proving his readiness for a larger role.
With the depth chart still fluid, Brown says the competition will be decided by who can best execute the defense’s aggressive schemes, a challenge that both seniors and the rising sophomore are eager to meet.