Our team had the privilege of sitting down with four-star recruit Epi Sitanilei, who is set to join the reigning national champions, The Ohio State University. Soon to be a Buckeye, Epi opened up about his journey through football, the recruitment process, his unwavering faith, and the family that has shaped him into the person he is today.
Choosing Ohio State: A Leap of Faith
“Ohio State… just to be committed to a school that went that far, it's nerve-wracking, but I'm excited. I'm blessed. I'm here.”
For Epi, choosing a school was about more than just football. A conversation with his good friend Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who plays at Notre Dame, shifted his perspective. Kyngstonn advised him to look beyond the game, past the wins and losses, and consider how a school aligns with his life and values. He emphasized that every school is different, from the academics to extracurriculars and even the semester system.
“At the end of the day, you have to look at where God wants you to be,” Epi reflected. His faith played a crucial role in his decision. Every step of the way, he prayed for guidance, asking God to place him where he was meant to be. That trust in divine direction ultimately led him to Ohio State.
The Family Behind the Athlete
Epi's roots run deep. His father is from Ontario, California, while his mother is from South Central Los Angeles. He is the youngest of seven siblings, with three brothers and three sisters.
His relationship with Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, also played a pivotal role. “The conversations I've had with him, he seems like a really genuine guy. He really wanted to know about me and my family. My mom and him had a great conversation. Looking at how he is as a person and as a coach meant a lot to me. I loved how he took care of the people I came with, and his attitude toward my family is what I loved about him.”
The Championship Mindset
Playing for St. John Bosco is no easy feat. Epi likened the competition to the Big Ten of high school football, where only the best rise to the top. “Since playing youth football, I was preparing, not even knowing what I was preparing for,” he said. “At the youth level, I was playing against the top players. That's what I think separates me from the others.”
His hard work paid off when he and his teammates claimed the championship title. “There can only be one champion. To see my brothers, the guys I struggled with, bled with, and sweated with, at the top, it was a ‘we did it' moment. We did it as a brotherhood.” But for Epi, winning goes beyond the game. “It's more than just a football game. It's about sacrifice, discipline, and a bond that lasts a lifetime.”
A Family's Sacrifice
Epi didn't initially want to attend St. John Bosco. “I just wanted to be a regular kid,” he admitted. But his mother saw the bigger picture. She sacrificed to move the family closer to the school and made sure he was comfortable in his environment. His father worked hard to pay for the tuition at the private institution.
“It's the little things,” Epi reflected. “I took it for granted a lot, but as the years went on, I matured and realized what was in front of me.” His faith kept him grounded. “The Bible talks a lot about how God has our lives planned out. I believe that even if life isn't perfect, God's plan is. I've learned to trust that, and with time, I've grown more grateful.”
Epi is deeply proud of his Polynesian heritage. “Being Tongan, family comes first, whether you like it or not. In our culture, family is everything. Ask anyone outside our community, and they'll tell you the same thing, we are tight-knit and family-oriented.”
As he prepares for his transition to Ohio, he knows one of the biggest challenges will be being away from home. “It won't feel the same. I'll miss my family, my culture. But I'll carry that with me.” For those who may struggle with family relationships, Epi offers this advice:
“Tie it all together. At the end of the day, your family will always be there.”
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his talent, Epi has faced his own battles. For a long time, he felt like he was living out the dream his brothers never got to achieve. “I never wanted to be ‘the guy' going to a big football school. I always felt like I was fulfilling the dream my brothers couldn't. I struggled with the attention. But I had to realize, I'm living the life that's meant for me.”
His father reminded him that he wouldn't be in this position if God didn't have a purpose for him. “I got over those bumps by knowing that everything happens for a reason. God is doing this for His purpose, and I trust that.” Through it all, Epi remains humble and grounded in his faith. “This life with Christ is hard because you have to fight yourself every day. There's temptation, struggles, but you have to push through.”
A Message to the World
“God truly has your life planned out, even if it isn't perfect.”
With his faith, talent, and determination, there's no doubt Epi Sitanilei will do incredible things at Ohio State and beyond. Buckeye Nation, get ready — Epi Sitanilei is on his way.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, March 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 3).
March 2025 · Digital Magazine
