The 8th annual Polynesian Bowl is set for Friday, showcasing 100 of the nation’s top high school juniors and seniors in a celebration of talent and culture on the campus of Kamehameha Schools. In less than a decade, the Polynesian Bowl has established itself as one of the premier high school football all-star games. This year, a record 11 five-star recruits began practice on Monday, underscoring the game’s rise in prominence. The matchup will be televised on NFL Network, further highlighting its national significance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) Among the key storylines is Campbell High graduate and Cover2 Mariota Award winner Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, now signed with California, who will lead Team Mauka. Opposing him is five-star USC-bound quarterback Husan Longstreet, headlining Team Makai. The clash of these elite QBs is another testament to the event’s growth. “I’m pretty excited," said Sagapolutele who over the last five weeks experienced a whirlwind of signing with Oregon, entering the transfer portal, and then signing with Caliofornia. "It’s a great feeling knowing everyone who watched me during my high school career gets to see me play one last game. It’s going to be exciting for sure. But I’m also just enjoying the time with these great guys. It’ll be fun to show what I can do at a high level and compete.” After a whirlwind last five weeks that had him signing with Oregon, entering the transfer portal, and then signing with California - Campbell graduate, quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is 'grateful' to be taking final prep snaps on Hawaiian soil in the 8th annual Polynesian… pic.twitter.com/U8OWcfk5tU— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 13, 2025 “We’ve got so much talent here—guys like David Sanders, Mike Fasusi, Dekorien Moore, Kelshaun Johnson. It’s a blessing to be here, following players like Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan," said Longstreet. "We’re all here for a reason, having achieved what we wanted in high school. Now, we’re with the best of the best, coached by some of the NFL’s best. It’s truly a blessing.” National Recruiting Analyst Greg Biggins of 247Sports has watched the Polynesian Bowl evolve and believes it now rivals, if not surpasses, other national all-star games. 8 years after older brother, current Bills star AJ Epenesa earned MVP honors in the very first Polynesian Bowl, Iowa signee, Iose Epenesa lives out his dream of hitting the field in Hawaii • For continuing #PolynesianBowl coverage all week 👉🏽https://t.co/mR4UHIAFGM 🤙🏽… pic.twitter.com/Lnac8flIvR— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 14, 2025 “Not to be biased, but this game might have as much, if not more, talent than other All-American games. It’s grown every year. The mix of top Polynesian players and elite talent from across the mainland makes this event special. This year’s roster is probably the best I’ve seen.” The roster features five Cover2 award winners, including Aiden Manutai of Kahuku, who signed with California, and Titan Lacaden of Saint Louis. Kickoff for the Polynesian Bowl is set for Friday at 4 p.m., with live coverage on NFL Network. Stay tuned to KHON2 Sports for more coverage leading up to game day.