Iose Epenesa, a second‑year defensive end for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, has been named to the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, a honor that celebrates the nation’s most outstanding player of Polynesian descent who combines elite performance with exemplary character.
The announcement comes as the Hawkeyes prepare for their season‑opening clash against Northern Illinois on September 5 at Kinnick Stadium, a game scheduled to kick off at 3:15 p.m. Central Time.
Standing 6‑foot‑3 and weighing 269 pounds, Epenesa burst onto the scene as a rookie, appearing in four games and already drawing praise for his disruptive pass rush and relentless effort.
A Homegrown Talent with a Strong Work Ethic
Born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois, the defensive lineman honed his craft at Edwardsville High School, where he earned first‑team all‑state honors as a senior and amassed a suite of accolades including three team lineman MVP awards and four consecutive first‑team all‑conference selections.
What the Watch List Means for Iowa’s Defense
The Polynesian award not only spotlights individual excellence but also underscores the values of integrity and community service that the selection committee prizes. For Iowa, the recognition adds a narrative boost as the team looks to build on a promising defensive unit heading into the new campaign.
Epenesa’s high school résumé reads like a catalog of consistency: he was a three‑time team lineman MVP, collected an honorable mention all‑state nod as a junior, and capped his prep career with a slew of conference and state recognitions that highlighted both his skill and his leadership.
Fans can expect Epenesa to be a central figure in the Hawkeyes’ pass‑rushing schemes, and his presence is likely to influence opposing offenses throughout the schedule.
The award’s finalists will be revealed on December 8, with the winner to be announced on December 15, marking a key milestone that could further elevate Epenesa’s profile heading into the next season.