When you’re the No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation, playing for the No. 1 high school football team, life can feel like an unstoppable freight train of success. Tomuhini Topui, the 6-foot-3, 290-pound Mater Dei Monarchs star, knows this well. Dominating on the field, securing his future with the Oregon Ducks, and basking in the spotlight of being the top recruit for 2026. But while the Southern California phenom bulldozes through offensive lines, his mom, Yola, keeps him grounded with a message that’s as timeless as it is straightforward.

This week, mom Yola dropped some motherly wisdom on Instagram, sharing a reel her story that will only remain for 24 hours but with a message that every teenager—and their parents—can relate to forever. The post declared, “If you are 13, 14, 15, or 16 years old, it’s not time to fall in love. Go clean your room and do your homework.” To make it even more personal for his 17-year-old, Yola added her own commentary: “I just told Tomu straight up, you’re too young to understand love, so wait till you’re older! Plus, we have a plan, so let’s stick to it. The right one will come when the time is right. Till then, follow your dreams and don’t let anyone distract you!”

Look, if there’s a Hall of Fame for mom’s advice, the elite 4-Star DL’s mom’s entry might already have its plaque. And for good reasons. With powerhouse programs like Auburn, Georgia, and Texas knocking on Topui’s door before he committed to Oregon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “This journey is bigger than today,” she once said. She’s been vocal about keeping God first and reminding her son of the bigger picture. Her approach clearly works— Tomuhini Topui thrives on and off the field, blending raw talent with humility and focus.

It’s not just family wisdom fueling Tomuhini Topui. Mater Dei, led by head coach Raul Lara, just clinched a statement win over archrival St. John Bosco, 31-24, in a game that solidified their dominance in California football. The Monarchs’ long-standing rivalry with Bosco is the stuff of legends, with each game turning into a heavyweight bout. This year, Topui’s presence on the defensive line was a game-changer, helping Mater Dei secure its place atop the national rankings.

Topui’s football future is already etched in Oregon green and yellow. After watching the Ducks’ thrilling 32-31 win over Ohio State earlier this season, the young defensive lineman was sold. Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon’s program is becoming a haven for elite defensive talent also No. 1 in the nation entering the playoffs, and the Monarchs #52 fits the mold perfectly. “I chose Oregon because it feels like family,” Topui shared after his commitment. Mom Yola celebrated the decision with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, emphasizing faith as the cornerstone of their journey.

Topui Tomuhini and the Monarchs enters the playoffs in some style

The stage was set for a playoff showdown between two California powerhouses, Mater Dei and De La Salle, with both teams carrying pristine 12-0 records. But before that clash, let’s relive how Topui’s Monarchs delivered an electrifying finish against Bosco in the state championship—a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The drama kicked off in the fourth quarter with Mater Dei leading 24-21 and driving on Bosco’s 42-yard line. The Braves handed the Monarchs a freebie, jumping offside to gift a crucial first down. But just as Mater Dei seemed poised to pull away, chaos struck. Dash Beierly was inches from pay dirt when Bosco’s Justin Coach forced a clutch fumble, the ball rolling out of the end zone for a touchback.

Bosco, however, couldn’t capitalize, punting it back after a quick three-and-out. Mater Dei wasted no time, with Marcus Harris snagging a 7-yard touchdown pass from Beierly to extend the lead to 31-21. Bosco fought valiantly—Madden Williams hauled in an acrobatic 18-yarder on third-and-15, followed by a beautiful Odom catch on the Monarchs’ 11. But Nasir Wyatt’s monster sack derailed their hopes.

Bosco kicker CJ Wallace nailed a jaw-dropping 48-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 31-24. Bosco’s perfect onside kick was snatched mid-air by Daryus Dixson, and Mater Dei sealed the deal with Jordon Davison’s clock-killing heroics.

As far is love is concerned, mom shouldn’t worry as of now these elites are only falling in love with the grind and gridiron.