Paula Illoa O Vavau Lahi Moala (born January 31, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Idaho Vandals, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Early life Moala attended high school at Penn. Coming out of high school, Moala was rated as a three star recruit, and the 20th overall prospect in the State of Indiana. Moala also held offers from schools such as Notre Dame, Iowa, Hawaii, Air Force, Utah State. Ultimately, Moala decided to commit to play college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
College career Notre Dame During the 2018 season, Moala played in seven games where he made one tackle. In week 13 of the 2019 season, Moala returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, in a win over Navy. In the 2019 season, Moala totaled 14 tackles with one being for a loss, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and a touchdown. During the 2020 season, Moala played in just three games where he had seven tackles before tearing his Achilles. In the 2021 season, Moala played in just one game before tearing his Achilles once again. After the conclusion of the 2021 season, Moala decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.
Idaho Moala decided to transfer to play for the Idaho Vandals. During the 2022 season, Moala had a breakout year, totaling 61 tackles with seven being for a loss, five pass deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Moala decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal once again.
Georgia Tech Moala transferred to play his final season at Georgia Tech. During Moala's lone season with Georgia Tech, he notched 65 tackles with 11 being for a loss, four sacks, two pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Moala decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft.
Statistics Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Total Solo Ast Sack PD Int Yds TD FF FR TD 2018 Notre Dame 7 0 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2019 Notre Dame 12 0 14 6 8 0.0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2020 Notre Dame 3 0 7 5 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2021 Notre Dame 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2022 Idaho 12 11 61 29 32 2.0 5 4 21 0 1 0 0 2023 Georgia Tech 13 13 65 37 28 4.0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0Career 48 24 148 78 70 6.0 7 4 21 0 5 1 1
Professional career
Chicago Bears After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Moala decided to sign with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 26.
San Antonio Brahmas On April 28, 2025, Moala signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).
References
External links Notre Dame Fighting Irish bio Idaho Vandals bio Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets bio