Top Utah high school recruit denies USC star's locker room theft claims

Brawley Tuitupou refutes Ja'Kobi Lane's allegations that he stole cleats and other items from the Trojans' locker room

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A top high school football recruit in Utah, Brawley Tuitupou, has denied allegations made by USC star receiver Ja'Kobi Lane that Tuitupou stole cleats and other items from the Trojans' locker room during a recent visit to the school. Tuitupou says he purchased the items in good faith and has documentation to prove it, and that he is working to return the items to their rightful owners.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential for false allegations and the importance of due process, especially when it involves high-profile athletes and recruits. It also raises questions about campus security and accountability for visitors to college athletic facilities.

The details

Ja'Kobi Lane, a projected top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, accused Tuitupou of stealing his cleats and other items from the USC locker room in a social media post. Tuitupou has since issued a statement denying the allegations, saying he purchased the items in good faith and has documentation to prove it. He says he is working to return the items to their rightful owners.

  • On Sunday, February 23, 2026, Ja'Kobi Lane made the theft allegations against Brawley Tuitupou on social media.
  • On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, Brawley Tuitupou released a statement denying the allegations and saying he is working to resolve the issue.

The players

Brawley Tuitupou

A three-star high school football recruit from Orem, Utah who holds offers from multiple schools including Florida, Penn State, and South Carolina.

Ja'Kobi Lane

A star receiver for the USC Trojans from 2023 to 2025 who is projected to be a first- or second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I did not steal any gear, nor would I ever knowingly possess stolen property. The items in question were purchased by me in good faith, and I have documentation showing that I paid for them under the context that they had been obtained legitimately. At the time of purchase, I had no reason to believe they were connected to any issues.”

— Brawley Tuitupou (Instagram)

“This kid stole my cleats and a bunch of stuff from the sc locker room. All yall kids out there just know this is simply unacceptable.”

— Ja'Kobi Lane, USC Receiver (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

Tuitupou says he is working to return the items in question to their rightful owners, and it's unclear if any further action will be taken by USC or law enforcement regarding the allegations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for caution and due diligence when making serious allegations, especially those that could impact a young athlete's reputation and future prospects. It also underscores the importance of campus security and accountability for visitors to college athletic facilities.