For Honolulu St. Louis offensive lineman Kamo’i Huihui-White, choosing where to continue his football career was not an easy decision. Heading into his official visit to the University of California, the talented offensive lineman had another school in mind: SMU. But sometimes, a visit can change everything.
Huihui-White recently announced his commitment to the California Golden Bears, a choice he admits came as a surprise—even to himself. “Honestly, I thought going in to my visit, I was going to go to SMU,” Huihui-White shared. “That was the plan. That’s what I told people.”
But something shifted during his time in Berkeley. From the coaching staff’s approach to the campus environment and the overall vision of the program, the Golden Bears left an impression that altered his trajectory. It was more than just facilities and uniforms; it was the feeling of being seen and valued, both as an athlete and a young man preparing for life after football.
“Everything about the visit just felt right,” Huihui-White explained. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like a place I could call home. The energy was different. The coaches were really straight-up with me, and I appreciated that honesty. They weren’t trying to sell me a dream—they were telling me how they’d help me grow.”
One of the biggest influences on his decision was the opportunity to develop under Cal’s coaching staff, including head coach Justin Wilcox and the offensive line unit. Huihui-White noted that the staff’s vision for him wasn’t just about the next few years—it was about who he would become at the end of his college career.
“They talked about development in every sense—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community,” he said. “That stood out. I don’t just want to be a good football player, I want to be a better person, too. And I saw that Cal could offer that balance.”
Another crucial factor was the educational opportunity that Cal presents. As one of the top public universities in the nation, Berkeley offers academic prestige that few schools can rival. For Huihui-White and his family, that mattered.
“My parents have always told me that football is a vehicle, but education is the foundation,” he said. “Cal gives me the chance to get one of the best degrees in the country. That’s something I couldn’t ignore.”
Huihui-White’s journey is also a reflection of how official visits can sometimes reshape priorities. What might seem like a clear path can quickly change when a school shows not only interest but genuine alignment with a recruit’s values and goals.
Now, the 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman is ready to bring his toughness and island pride to Berkeley, joining a Cal recruiting class that’s building momentum heading into the 2025 season. For the Golden Bears, landing Huihui-White is a big win—not just for his talent, but for the character and leadership he brings.
In the end, what was supposed to be a formality visit turned into a life-changing weekend. And for Kamo’i Huihui-White, the surprise decision now feels like the perfect one.