By: Eustoria Borja
ELGIN, Okla. (Island Times) — Antoni Kade Aguon-Ogumoro has officially signed with the University of Tennessee, continuing his academic and athletic journey as part of the Volunteers’ 2025 football recruiting class. The Elgin High School graduate, who has roots in both Palau and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), committed to the program earlier this year and finalized his decision during a signing ceremony on December 04, 2024.
The signing ceremony, held at Elgin High School, was attended by local media, Ogumoro’s parents Ambrose and Mayumi Aguon-Ogumoro, as well as family, friends, and members of the Elgin football community. Ogumoro is set to join Tennessee on a full scholarship and will begin as an early enrollee on Jan. 20, 2025.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Ogumoro is ranked as one of the top interior offensive line prospects in the nation, holding the No. 33 spot on ESPN, No. 42 on On3, and No. 45 on 247Sports. His recruitment solidifies Tennessee’s 2025 class, with Ogumoro being one of 10 players committed to the Volunteers.
Ogumoro concluded his high school career with multiple accolades, including recognition on the Dean’s Honor Roll and 3A First Team All-Area and All-Conference honors in 2023. In his senior season, he was named District 4A-1 Offensive Newcomer of the Year and Oklahoma Preseason All-State First Team. His leadership on the field helped guide Elgin High School to one of its most successful seasons in history.
Reflecting on his journey, Ogumoro said, “I recognize how extremely blessed I am to be in the position I’m in, and I don’t take anything for granted. I’ve put in a lot of work in the classroom and on the field to get to this point, but I have plans to go further, and I’m ready to hit the ground running once I get to Tennessee! I’m extremely grateful for my parents, my little brother, and my entire family for being with me every step of the way in this journey and always supporting me. I’ve also had amazing coaches in North Carolina and in Oklahoma that developed me into the player I am today. I love this game, and I’m happy I can use it to introduce my cultures and island homes to people who’ve never heard of us.”
His parents expressed their pride, saying, “We’re extremely proud of our son in how far he’s come in this sport in such a short time! There were so many amazing schools that offered him, and we took six official visits, and in the end, the University of Tennessee was the right school for him. We’re excited as he embarks on this new journey in his life. The coaching staff at UT is simply amazing, and we know he will be developed into not only a great football player but a great man as well.”
Ogumoro, whose parents hail from both Ngarchelong, Palau, and the CNMI, is a source of pride for his family and both Pacific Island communities. His mother, Mayumi Aguon-Ogumoro, is the granddaughter of the late Tobias Aguon from Ngerchur and the late Namiko Ngirailild of Mengellang, Ngarchelong. Her father is Rufino Aguon, the older brother of Thelma Ismael and Swingly Aguon.
Ogumoro will join Tennessee’s football team on Dec. 15 to prepare for the College Football Playoffs, where he will have the opportunity to observe and support the Volunteers as they compete for a national championship. His journey marks a significant milestone for athletes from Palau and the CNMI, inspiring young players across the Pacific Islands to pursue their dreams.
Tennessee, known for its competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) program, is expected to benefit from Ogumoro’s size, skill, and leadership as he begins his collegiate football career.