Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Add 3✮ DL to 2026 Haul

@amimoala56- Instagram

The Tar Heels have been searching for a second commitment at nose tackle spot in the 2026 class and on Friday afternoon, they landed their guy.

As he announced via social media, 2026 3✮ DL Viliami Moala has committed to the Tar Heels over Oklahoma, Oregon and others. Moala, the one time Oregon commit, backed off of his commitment to them back in early July following his official visit to Chapel Hill that took place in mid-June.

Moala, the No. 602 overall prospect and No. 74 defensive tackle in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Player Rankings, spent last season at Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah. In 11 games, he finished with 99 total tackles, 22.0 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 35 quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a forced fumble on his way to earning 6A first team all-state honors. The year prior, as a sophomore at Davis High School in Kaysville, UT, he collected 39 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

There is limited film on Moala available to the public, but there are some things to like about what he shows on his sophomore film. At 6’3, 340 lbs., he has the size and skillset to take up two gaps and stop the run the way that the Tar Heels want their nose tackles to do. He does a great job of shedding blocks with his size and length and a nice level of physicality to the table. He has a very solid release off the line of scrimmage and moves well for someone of his size. This looks like a solid addition to the Tar Heels' defensive line class that could grow into a key piece of the unit during his career.

With his commitment, the Tar Heels now have 34 commitments in the 2026 class, including four defensive linemen. The class remains 18th in the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings and 4th in the ACC rankings.