Moliki Matavao
Moliki Faatui Matavao is an American professional football tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He played college football for the Oregon Ducks and UCLA Bruins. Matavao was selected by the Saints in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft.Early life
Matavao attended Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, and was rated as a four-star recruit. He committed to play college football for the Oregon Ducks over offers from Georgia, Penn State, and UCLA.Oregon
As a freshman in 2021, Matavao recorded nine receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown for Oregon. In 2022, he totaled ten receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a touchdown on the ground. After the 2022 season, Matavao entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.UCLA
Matavao transferred to play for the UCLA Bruins. In 2023, he hauled in 14 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns. In week 12, Matavao tallied seven receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown versus Washington. In the 2024 regular-season finale, Matavao notched eight receptions for 120 yards versus Fresno State.Professional career
Matavao was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 248th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. On September 20, 2025, Matavao was waived by New Orleans after Kevin Austin Jr. was signed to the active roster. He was re-signed by New Orleans on September 23, taking the roster spot of Austin, who was waived. On October 4, Matavao was waived and was re-signed to the practice squad three days later. He was promoted to the active roster on December 26.