Notre Dame Gives Josiah Kia Everything He Wanted

Newest 2025 linebacker commit Josiah Kia goes in depth on his commitment to Notre Dame

It was a very important weekend for Honolulu (Hawaii) Punahou linebacker Josiah "Ko’o" Kia, who was in South Bend for multiple days. Kia was out to help his older brother, 2021 linebacker signee Kahanu Kia move back in after returning from his LDS mission, but he also got the full recruiting experience as a Notre Dame target.

The visit did not disappoint. On Monday while getting ready to depart back to Hawaii, Kia decided he had seen enough, and he was ready to pull the trigger and become a Notre Dame commit. He couldn’t hold his excitement and announced his commitment to the Irish.

Glory to GOD. Go Irish! ☘️☘️@NDFootball @Marcus_Freeman1 @CoachAlGolden @Bullough40 @TomLoy247 @BrandonHuffman @GregBiggins @adamgorney pic.twitter.com/Hm88CmaCPn

— Ko’o Kia (@koo_kia8) January 16, 2024

"For me Notre Dame has everything I am looking for, and not only that but they do it better than everyone else,” Kia told Irish Breakdown. "I believe that Notre Dame is ready to compete for a national championship.

"In terms of the school, it could set me up for the rest of my life,” he continued. "I had been thinking about Notre Dame for quite some time now and they had been the favorite for me leading up to the visit. After spending a few days in South Bend on this visit I felt I wanted to commit so I prayed about it and once I knew where I needed to be, I didn’t hesitate.”

This recruitment was clearly Notre Dame’s to lose coming into the visit. In reality, the trip may have been more of a formality to pulling the trigger, but the visit really solidified everything from the 6-2, 210-pound defender.

"It told me everything I needed to know,” Kia explained. "Coaches can say a lot over the phone, but once I got to see everything and experience it I knew everything was real. It exceeded all my expectations.”

Kia had been to campus before for his brother, but this trip was about his own journey. His father came with him on the visit, along with his brother. While Kia’s mom was back at home, the whole family had the chance to really appreciate this monumental accomplishment.

"I know my mom was so happy when I called her and told her the news,” Kia said. "I'm sure she’s been crying tears of joy back in Hawaii. I think my dad is very proud of me and excited for me to maximize this opportunity as well.”

Now the vision is set, the decision is made and Kia is fully locked in. He had one short message for Notre Dame fans for what they should expect when he makes it on campus prior to the 2025 season.

"I’m going to give everything I got, nothing less."

Kia is coming off of a tremendous junior campaign for Punahou. Used all over the field, he recorded 73 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, eight sacks, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. Kia opted for the Irish over offers from Texas, USC, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Utah, Michigan State, Washington State, Arizona, BYU, Arizona State, Cal and Vanderbilt among others. 

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