Lex Mailangi working to be top rated OL in 2027 class
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Size, quickness, power, and a body of work against quality opponents has catapulted Lex Mailangi up recruiting boards across the country. The anchor on the offensive line for California powerhouse Mater Dei, Mailangi (6-4, 340) has already secured 13 scholarship opportunities and has his sights set on being the best offensive lineman in the 2027 class.
Playing left tackle for the Monarchs means something and brings a little more clout to the conversation after the Santa Ana squad ran the table (13-0) in 2024. The opposition threw everything they could at the underclassman but the super sophomore protecting the blindside was ready for the challenge.
“They mainly tried to attack me with speed and elusiveness, but I was working on that over the offseason,” Mailangi stated. “I was preparing for that role moving from left guard to left tackle; I was prepared for that.”
In addition to playing in the nation’s toughest high school football conference, the Trinity League, the Monarchs suited up against Centennial (CA), Bishop Gorman (NV), Kahuku (HI), and St. Frances Academy (MD).
Lex Mailangi pregame 2024 with Mater Dei.
The Panthers’ five-star 2026 defensive end Zion Elee presented Mailangi a challenge, one he quickly overcame.
“I think the toughest team and player I went against was St. Francis from Maryland,” Mailangi shared. “I think he was No. 9. He was really elusive. It took me the whole first half to figure him out; I got beat a couple of times. He was the first real five-star I had gone against in my years of playing football. In the second half I figured him out and capitalized on it.”
Maxing out in the weight room before the season began, Mailangi lifted 365 on bench, squatted 465, and deadlifted 525. Another offseason in the weight room and on the field developing technique awaits Mailangi.
“I am working on my kick step and how fast I get back (pass pro),” Mailangi stated. “That is one thing as an offensive tackle going against good four- and five-stars, I get to work on how fast I kick step.”
Michigan, Oregon, USC, Louisville, Cincinnati, Cal, Washington, and Washington State are among the 13 teams to offer Mailangi. After focusing on the Monarchs’ championship season, the 2027 recruit is ready to get out on the trail to visit campuses.
“I’d love to visit Oregon,” Mailangi said. ” I think they have a great program; I love the culture and the vibes there. Another school I want to visit is Michigan. I love what they do. I want to get a chance to see it.”
Helping learn more about his craft, Mailangi draws inspiration from watching the Detroit Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell and the San Francisco 49ers’ Trent Williams.
Photo credit: Mater Dei-Mailangi family – Lex Mailangi in action