Tommy Tofi ’26, offensive lineman for Riordan football, is ranked among the top high school football players in the country. Tofi is currently ranked as the 122nd overall high school football player in the class of 2026 by ESPN and the 5th-best interior offensive lineman in his class by 247Sports.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, he is ranked 1st on their annual watchlist of the best high school football players in the Bay Area.
Tofi is committed to playing Division 1 football at University of Oregon next season, but before committing, he entertained offers from 30 schools, including Ohio State, Ole Miss, and BYU.
Despite his national ranking and recruitment, Tofi expressed, “It comes with huge expectations and pressure from a lot of coaches and people watching.”
Originally a basketball player like his father, Tofi switched his focus to football in the seventh grade after his uncle saw his potential. When starting football, Tofi explained, “I didn’t play that well, but the more I learned, the better I got.”
Tofi started playing high school football at Sheldon High School in Sacramento and this is where he realized he had the potential to do great things.
“I realized I could do something for not only my family, but for future generations in my bloodline. After receiving my 1st offer and getting All-American, this made me realize I could do something great,” Tofi stated.
He continued to work hard, dedicating his life to football, and this came with new opportunities. After his freshman year, Tofi got the chance to come to Riordan to play football.
Head coach of Riordan football, Adhir Ravipati, said, “He came to us as a very talented sophomore, but he continues to have a great work ethic and be a leader for the team.”
At Riordan, he has excelled as a dominant player on an ambitious team, hungry for success.
Over the past three seasons, he has played a huge role in Riordan’s rise as one of the top football programs in the Bay Area.
Teammate, Daniel Saelee ’26 stated, “I see him put in the work and the mindset he has makes all of us work harder.”
Through all the rankings and recruitment, Tofi remains humble and optimistic for his future in football.
He said, “My main goal is to play in the NFL and make my family proud.”
