Skyline running back Jonah Mailei will face fellow University of Utah commit Dillon Sykes when Lone Peak visits Holladay on Friday, Aug. 28, in one of seven marquee matchups for the 2026 Utah high school football season.

Mailei, a Class of 2027 commit, is coming off a breakout junior year in which he rushed for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. He is the highest-rated running back prospect in Utah this year, according to 247 Sports' composite rankings.

The Eagles enter the season ranked No. 4 in the Class 4A preseason coaches poll with two first-place votes. Skyline went 9-4 in 2025 and carries legitimate title-contender expectations into the fall.

Sykes brings national schedule to Holladay

Sykes, a 3-star prospect who transferred to Lone Peak from Rancho Cucamonga High in California, told Rivals on July 15 that his move was about competition: "I was always told to be the best, you have to play the best and beat the best."

Lone Peak's schedule backs that up.

The Knights host national powerhouse IMG Academy of Florida on Friday, Aug. 21, one week before traveling to Skyline. After the Holladay trip, Lone Peak faces Bishop Gorman of Nevada on Friday, Sept. 4, then visits Corner Canyon on Friday, Sept. 18, in a rematch of last year's 6A state championship game.

Nine future Utes playing in Utah this fall

The Aug. 28 game is part of a broader storyline: nine University of Utah commits in the 2027 recruiting class will play at Utah high schools this season, and every one of them will face at least one other future Ute.

The 2026 Utah high school football season opens Thursday, Aug. 13. Skyline hosts Lone Peak on Friday, Aug. 28.