Deuce Alailefaleula Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year Football

“Deuce is in a league of his own and is hands down the best football player in our state. He’s likely the most talented player that’s come out of Alaska in a long, long time. There really wasn’t a team that could block him all season and even when he was doubled and tripled, there was only so much teams could do. He had a season that I don’t think our state will see from a defensive lineman again for a long time.”

Kahlil Bolling

Head Coach - Service High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-1, 280-pound senior defensive lineman made 117 tackles, including 77 solo tackles, and notched 14 sacks this past season, leading the Golden Bears (7-3) to a berth in the Division I state championship. A three-star recruit as rated by ESPN, Alailefaleula was a First Team All-State selection. He also blocked a remarkable eight kicks this season and anchored a defense that allowed just 9.9 points per game. A two-time Alaska Division I state shot put champion in track and field, he is the son of former NFL offensive lineman Tui Alailefaleula.

Academic Achievement

Alailefaleula has maintained an A average in the classroom. At the time of his selection, he had made a verbal commitment to receive athletic aid to play football at Boise State University next fall.

Exemplary Character

Alailefaleula has volunteered locally as part of monthly food drives for the Anchorage Rotary Club.

Football - Alaska