At the heart of Oregon’s line is a force that the team can rely upon: Matayo Uiagalelei. However, away from the gridiron, there is a rich story of a family that has supported him.
That’s where he got connected with his roots, culture, and motivation that have shaped this young player’s career. From the boulevards of Bellflower, California, to the ear-shattering stadium atmospheres of college football, Matayo Uiagalelei is about to take over the field.
Inside the Uiagalelei Family: Behind Oregon’s Rising Star Matayo
Matayo was born on July 2, 2005, in Bellflower, California. His father, David Big Dave, and mother, Tausha Raquel Uiagalelei, supported him throughout his journey.
Both parents have their roots in Samoa, where they bring a strong, family-oriented cultural heritage. Their migration process started in the Samoan Islands and then moved to Hawaii and California in 1985, paving the way for their American dream as a family.
Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei is an early “my guy” for the 2026 class. Extremely powerful 5T who is a FORCE in run defense pic.twitter.com/xr56YS5xgp
— Drew Beatty (@IronCityFilm) May 17, 2025
David, fondly referred to as “Big Dave,” created his own niche as a celebrity bodyguard. The man has been protecting stars such as Rihanna, DJ Khaled, and Meek Mill. Yet, his job kept him away from home much of the time.
One of the saddest moments was when his oldest son, DJ, asked him why he was gone so much. This brought David to a critical crossroads. He bypassed the celebrity glamour of protection for a life-altering decision. He then decided to be a school resource officer so that he’d be around for his son’s early years.
Well, Tausha’s story is equally inspiring. She was a surrogate mother six times for her family. Hands down to her, as it shows immense strength and selflessness. Now, she continues to channel her entrepreneurial spirit through A1 Meal Prep. It’s a company that provides healthy meals, testifying to her commitment to health and wellness.
Even after their split-up in 2019, David and Tausha decided to co-parent Matayo. Since then, common values have not been shaken, and their sons are being provided with unwavering support.
Matayo Went from High School to College Stardom
Matayo has an excellent bond with his older brother, DJ Uiagalelei. The young one is a super-talented quarterback who has played for Clemson, Oregon State, and currently for Florida State. David once stated, “People don’t understand how close those two are. That just should tell you how much DJ loves his little brother.”
It was a sight to watch when they were on opposite sides of the field. DJ, as the quarterback for Oregon State, and Matayo, as a defender for Oregon, played against each other. Reflecting on this moment, David explained, “I just want DJ to have a good game, and I want Matayo to have a good game.”
Matayo at St. John Bosco High School was versatile in playing defensive end and tight end. He was an outstanding player who earned five-star recruit honors and offers from the top programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and USC.
Choosing to sign with the University of Oregon in December 2022, Matayo did not waste any time making his presence felt. As a true freshman, he played in 13 games, finishing with 18 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
His sophomore season brought even greater things. It was where he paced the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Beyond football, Matayo is a man of varied skills. Characterized as Young Concrete, christened after his uncle Rob. He is a record producer; Matayo raps hip-hop music, plays guitar and piano, creates shoe designs, and even produces his own apparel.
His father humorously described, “He gets upset about buying a shirt at a second-hand store that costs $5. ‘Dad, look at this. It’s like $5. It’s supposed to be $1.50 or $2!’ Come on, man, I know how much you’ve got in your account, bro.”
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The Uiagalelei family’s presence was felt at the 2024 Rose Bowl, when Matayo took to the field against Ohio State. Approximately 150 relatives came out to support him, sharing traditional Polynesian food and celebrating.
Remembering his sons’ careers, David commented, “I think it’s a father’s dream. to be able to have two sons, not just one, play at a high level. For me, it’s a blessing.”
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