BOISE — For Boise State linebacker Mana Tuioti, Saturday’s season opener at No. 2 Oregon isn’t just another game. For the sophomore who considers Eugene, Oregon, home, it’s so much more than a homecoming. To Tuioti, Saturday’s battle between the Broncos and the Ducks is a family affair.

You see, sitting on the opposite sidelines of Tuioti during the game will be three family members. His father, Tony, is the Ducks’ defensive line coach. Oldest brother Teivis is also on the Oregon coaching staff as a defensive assistant. Another brother, Teitum, is a senior linebacker for the Ducks, coming off a third-team All-Big Ten season. For Mana Tuioti, it’s a dream matchup and an opportunity he couldn’t have scripted any better.

“It’s going to be a fun game,” said Mana. “I’m going against my dad for the first time. My brother, I played with him in high school. I’m going against my other brother, as well. There’s going to be a lot of family there, it’s going to be exciting, so I’m just ready to get after it.”

For Mana, Saturday’s game could prove to the perfect place to truly introduce himself to Bronco nation. The sophomore had six tackles a season ago and recovered fumbles in wins against Appalachian State and Nevada. Mana figures to have a much bigger role in the Bronco linebacker rotation this season alongside Boen Phelps, Logan Brantley and Jake Ripp.

“I think last year (coaches) were seeing how I could perform on an open field, guarding backs, tackling in open space,” Mana said. “I felt like I did a pretty good job in spring ball, fall camp, showing them I can do those things.”

Mana said he first became aware of this upcoming matchup toward the end of last season. Wanting to get an idea of what the Broncos’ schedule would look like in 2026, he took a peek at the schedule. On the very first line, he saw the surprise: ‘Sept. 5: at Oregon.’

“I saw Oregon first game, so I was excited for that,” Mana said. “My parents didn’t know. I told them and they were shocked.”

Tony and his wife, Kaela, were both athletes at the University of Hawaii and raised a family of athletes. All seven of their kids, four boys and three girls, were high-level athletes, the boys in football like Tony and the girls in volleyball, like Kaela. Six of their seven kids have become college athletes, while their youngest daughter, Teinia, is a sophomore setter for the Sheldon High volleyball team.

Teivis finished his playing career last season at San Diego State, while another brother, Teilor, was also a senior last season at Idaho State. Oldest sister, Teisa, played volleyball at Hawaii Hilo and Midland University in Nebraska, while another sister, Yana, will be a freshman beach volleyball player for the Ducks in the spring.

“I know Tony, he’s a great coach, a phenomenal father too,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “Just look at his product, he’s got boys playing for both (teams). But Tony’s a great dude. I’ve joked with Mana, I’m like ‘how many times you talk with your dad?’ He’s like ‘Coach, it’s game week, I got to talk with my pops.’ But Tony’s a great dude, and Mana’s had a great offseason, too. He’s going to play and it will be a really cool moment for him.”

Being the son of a coach meant Mana grew up living in different locations across the country. He was born in Las Vegas, but Tony’s career brought the family to Honolulu, Cleveland, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Berkeley, California; and Lincoln, Nebraska, before coming to Eugene in 2022. Mana was a sophomore in high school, finished his high school career there and calls Oregon his home.

And while family is very important to him, playing away from his father and being able to write his own story was, too. He wanted to see if other coaches believed in him, as well, and he found what he was looking for at Boise State.

“The winning program,” Mana said about what drew him to the Broncos. “I didn’t know too much about Boise State in high school, but seeing that they’ve won so many championships, Kellen Moore came here, also they have the (Polynesian) pipeline.”

It’s a decision that’s set up what should be a day the Tuioti family will remember for a long time. Mana estimates he has roughly 50 family and friends who will be in the stands at Autzen Stadium.