Kana'i Mauga

Kana'i Mauga (born January 8, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in .

Early life Mauga was born on January 8, 2000, in Waianae, Hawaii. He attended Waianae High School and after being named third-team all-state as a junior he was the Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 while totaling 52.5 tackles and three defensive touchdowns. Ranked a four-star prospect and the best outside linebacker in the state, Mauga committed to play college football for the USC Trojans.

College career As a true freshman at USC in 2018, Mauga appeared in all 12 games and posted 14 tackles with two pass breakups. He saw his first time as a starter in 2019, posting in his first start 13 tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble. He finished the year with eight starts and compiled 59 tackles, seven , three sacks and two pass breakups. He declared for the National Football League Draft after the 2021 season, ending his stint at USC with 206 tackles, six pass breakups, five sacks and three interceptions.

Professional career

Denver Broncos After going unselected in the 2022 NFL draft, Mauga was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 30 and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on November 1.

Las Vegas Raiders On December 13, 2022, Mauga was signed to the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders. He was signed to a reserve/future contract by Las Vegas on January 9, 2023. Mauga was released on August 1, but later re-signed on August 12. He was released at the final roster cuts in 2023 and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. He was signed to the active roster on September 30 and later made his NFL debut in the team's Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming the third alumni of his high school to ever make it to the NFL. He was placed on injured reserve on October 30, and activated on December 9, but placed back on IR three days later with a knee injury. Mauga finished the 2023 season with five games played and three tackles.

Los Angeles Chargers On May 12, 2025, Mauga signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was released on August 26, and re-signed to the practice squad on September 9. Mauga was released on October 7.

Pittsburgh Steelers On December 3, 2025, Mauga signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. He was released by the Steelers on December 19.

Orlando Storm On May 12, 2026 Mauga signed with the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL).