By Mark Pszonak
Football is still very much based in the United States, but every year recruiting continues to have more of an international flavor. Another sign of this happened last night when Auburn received a commitment from offensive lineman Nikau Hepi, who is from New Zealand.
IM COMING HOME🧡💙🦅
— Nikau Hepi (@nikaunflacademy) June 24, 2025
WAR DAMN EAGLE!!🦅🦅 #BLESSED #auburntigers pic.twitter.com/qsbKgRFZi2
The NFL Academy in Europe has gained recognition in recent years, but its Asia-Pacific location is more of an unknown. That may be changing with Hepi’s commitment, who is the first from this location, which is in Queensland, Australia.
Hepi, 6-foot-7 and 350-pounds, received his offer from Auburn in February, but a visit to campus earlier this month sealed the deal for him. He chose the Tigers over offers from Florida State, UAB, USF and Sacramento State.
As many programs across the country have stockpiled commitments in June, this is only the second for Auburn, and the sixth overall. He is also the Tigers’ second offensive line commitment, joining Parker Pritchett of Columbus, Georgia.
