The Kia Family Finalizing A Notre Dame Reunion

Notre Dame is in heavy pursuit of 2025 Honolulu (Hawaii) Punahou versatile linebacker Josiah Kia, who brings a lot of possibilities to the field. Of course Irish fans will recognize the last name after signing Kahanu Kia, Josiah’s older brother, in the 2021 recruiting class.

While the older Kia is finishing up a LDS mission, there is a reunion in South Bend being cemented. The family plans to kick off the new year by getting back on campus.

“I don’t have a specific date yet but it will be early January,” Kia told Irish Breakdown. “I’m very excited to get over there.

"(Kahanu) is doing well,” he added. "He’s been training a lot and he’s chomping at the bit to get back on the field. He’ll be back in early January. I will be coming on my visit while we drop him off in South Bend.”

Heading into that return trip, Notre Dame has continued to really push hard for the talented defender. In fact, special teams coordinator Marty Biagi came out to visit his high school recently.

"Everything's been great,” Kia said. ".... I loved and appreciated having part of the Notre Dame staff down here to see me again. I’ve been having constant communication with the Notre Dame staff. They seem very excited as well.”

The program is hoping to once again attract a talented player from Hawaii, a state that has given them standouts like Manti Te’o, Kona Schwenke, Robby Toma, Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, Jordan Botelho and Marist Liufau. The younger Kia is very high on the Notre Dame linebacker board, a player that they are absolutely pushing for.

Kia has begun to put together a very impressive offer list. He has done especially well on the West Coast over the past year. Some of his notable offers include the Irish, USC, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Washington State, Arizona State, BYU, Arizona and Cal among others.

The 6-2, 190-pound linebacker really broke out after an impressive sophomore season for Punahou. The Hawaii standout would collect 71 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks while making plays all over the field. 

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