On Saturday, June 15, 2025, Fameitau “FA” Siale gave Michigan State fans something to cheer about—and gave his late father a reason to smile from above.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound edge rusher from Seattle announced his verbal commitment to Michigan State University with a heartfelt social media post. Alongside a green-and-white Spartans graphic, Siale wrote simply: “For you, Pops.” The timing, on Father’s Day weekend, gave the message deeper resonance.
Siale’s father, a beloved deacon in their church community, passed away in 2024. For Fameitau, football has always been about more than the game—it’s been about honoring the man who instilled in him faith, discipline, and a sense of purpose. That emotional foundation played a big role in his recruiting journey, especially when Michigan State’s staff showed they understood what mattered most.
In May, Spartans defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa visited the family’s church while on a recruiting trip. He sat with the Siale family, prayed with them, and made a lasting impression. For Siale, it was more than a recruiting pitch—it was a sign that Michigan State valued the man behind the player. That visit, he later said, “meant the world.”
The gesture helped Michigan State rise above a crowded field of suitors, including hometown Washington, Oregon, Florida State, and over a dozen other Power Four programs. Siale took an official visit to East Lansing from May 30 to June 1. There, he got a full film breakdown from the coaching staff and enjoyed a special touch: a Polynesian food truck parked outside Spartan Stadium. It was a nod to his roots, and a reminder that he wouldn’t have to leave his culture behind in Michigan.
Siale is one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. He ranks as the No. 3 overall player in Washington and one of the top 60 edge rushers nationally. His film showcases a blend of raw power and quickness. He’s fast off the snap, technically sound with his hands, and long—boasting a verified 34-inch wingspan and 4.70-second 40-yard dash. As a junior at O’Dea High School, he racked up 16 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
For Michigan State, this is a big win both strategically and emotionally. Siale is the third defensive lineman in their 2026 class and the 15th commit overall. After a surge in June, the Spartans’ recruiting class is trending upward. Head coach Jonathan Smith and Coach Suiaunoa have focused heavily on building relationships, especially on the West Coast, where Michigan State hopes to reestablish strong recruiting ties.
Still, for Siale, Saturday’s decision wasn’t just about football. Friends and coaches say he made a promise to his father: to use football as a path to a college education and a better future. His commitment to Michigan State is one more step in keeping that promise.
“I know he’s smiling down,” Siale wrote in his post, ending it with a phrase in Tongan that translates to: “Love never dies.”
It was a fitting tribute—for a son, a father, and the journey they shared.
