Malakai Hoeft is a linebacker for San José State at 6'2" and 224 pounds, hailing from Belmont, California. He played three years at Junipero Serra High School, serving as captain his senior year and earning WCAL First-Team Defense honors in 2022. Hoeft attended College of San Mateo from 2022–2023, recording 28 total tackles in nine games in 2023 and one sack against Modesto. He joined SJSU in 2024, posting eight tackles and one pass breakup in his first season, including two tackles and a pass breakup against Washington State. Currently a redshirt senior, Hoeft plays for the Spartans.