Tatupu played quarterback and linebacker in high school, graduating in 2001 from King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, Massachusetts.
Tatupu spent his freshman year of college at the University of Maine before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC).
He was an All-American for the USC Trojans where he wore the number 58, which was also worn by another USC linebacker of Samoan heritage, Rey Maualuga.
Tatupu played for the USC Trojan football team (2005-2006 seasons) within the player development program managed by Head Coach Pete Carroll and Assistant Head Coach for Defense and Linebacker Coach Ken Norton Jr. The USC linebacker system ("USC Linebacker U") has developed many NFL stars, including three-season All-American and NFL player Richard Wood (the "Batman"), linebacker legend Junior Seau, player and NFL coach Jack Del Rio, Willie McGinest, Chris Claiborne, Tatupu, Keith Rivers, and Norton proteges of the future, the class of 2009: teammates Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiava, Clay Matthews III, and Rey Maualuga, often touted as the most talented linebacker corps in college football.
Tatupu started 25 games during his two years for the Trojans. He finished his USC career with 202 tackles, nine sacks, seven interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, 18 pass deflections, and one touchdown.
