Tayden-Evan Kaawa

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-5, 238 lbs. Taller than 93% and heavier than 100% of 2026 Quarterback prospects in the SEC Scouts database (128 with a listed size).

Play Style

Kaawa is a rhythm passer who works from the pocket. He wins by standing tall, reading the field from height, and delivering in the quick and intermediate game. His rushing is used situationally: scrambles and short-yardage keepers rather than designed runs. His touchdown and interception numbers (37 TD to 9 INT across his last two seasons at Orem) suggest he generally protects the ball. His senior season points to a passer who became more efficient in scoring areas as the year went on, finishing with a title-game blowout.

Strengths

• Production at a high level of Utah prep football: 2,890 yards, 28 TD and 9 INT on 187/294 (63.6%) as a junior, then 2,503 yards and 34 TD on 163/268 (60.8%) as a senior, ending with a 5A state title
• His touchdown output went up as a senior on fewer attempts (34 TD on 268 attempts vs. 28 TD on 294), which suggests he got more efficient in the red zone
• A 6-5, 235-pound frame that can absorb hits in the pocket and gives him a clear view of the field
• Had real Power Four interest (Alabama, Washington, Arizona, plus BYU and Boise State as finalists), so he was more than a late flier

Areas to Improve

• His completion rate fell from 63.6% to 60.8% as a senior. To compete for SEC snaps he needs more consistent accuracy and ball placement, especially on intermediate and outside-the-numbers throws
• He has to learn to process faster against SEC defensive speed: full-field reads, recognizing coverage after the snap, and getting the ball out on time against disguised pressure
• His footwork and pocket movement need refinement. As a bigger passer with modest scrambling production, he has to climb and slide well to keep plays alive instead of relying on his size

College Projection

He projects as a redshirt and development quarterback. Alabama took two quarterbacks in the 2026 class, and Thomalla was the higher-rated signee, so Kaawa's realistic path is a scout-team and practice role in 2026, competing for backup work in 2027-28 as his processing and mechanics develop. His size and prep résumé give him a long runway. Whether he becomes a contributor will depend on accuracy improvements and how well he handles the offense mentally, not his physical tools.

Best Fit

A pro-style or under-center/shotgun hybrid offense that values pocket passing, play-action off a physical run game, and timing throws. That kind of scheme uses his frame and production without asking him to be a dual-threat runner. Patient quarterback development and a redshirt year matter most for him. A program like Alabama that brings in multiple quarterbacks each cycle can give him time, but he will face competition for snaps.