USC freshman TE Manoah Leiato is a big-bodied project with special-teams pedigree
In the 2026 season, Manoah Leiato arrives at USC as a 6-foot-2, 255-pound true freshman tight end with a rare background as one of California’s top long-snapping prospects, which hints at toughness, discipline, and a ready-made college frame. USC says he enrolled in summer 2026 and is competing for playing time right away, but he enters with no college stats yet, so the appeal is upside: a physically mature, versatile newcomer who could help as a blocker, depth piece, and special-teams asset while he develops as a TE.
