Copyright Salt Lake City Deseret News
The University of Utah’s track record with offensive linemen convinced another top-level recruit from the state to commit to the Utes. On Wednesday, Lehi offensive lineman Mataalii Benjamin announced his verbal commitment to Kyle Whittingham’s program on social media. It came two days after Benjamin announced his de-commitment from Big Ten program Minnesota. Who is Mataalii Benjamin? Benjamin is a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive lineman who joined the Lehi Pioneers program this season after previously playing at Skyridge High. He is rated a three-star prospect with an 0.8767 grade in 247 Sports’ composite rankings. Benjamin committed to Minnesota over the summer, but recently backed off that commitment. He’s helped Lehi average 150.5 rushing yards and 326.8 total yards per game this season, according to MaxPreps. The Pioneers play at American Fork on Friday in the second round of the 6A Utah state playoffs. How does Mataalii Benjamin fit into Utah’s 2026 recruiting class? Benjamin is the fourth offensive lineman to verbally commit to the Utes’ 2026 recruiting class. That includes four-star recruit Kelvin Obot of Fruitland High in Idaho, the highest-rated offensive line commit in Utah history, according to 247 Sports.
