A Prestigious Honor for Polynesian Athletes
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, a list that highlights the finest talent of Polynesian descent competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The announcement, made on August 20, 2026, features 69 candidates drawn from 36 different FBS programs, with Brigham Young University topping the tally at seven nominees.
The watch list includes a diverse group of players such as Tausili Akana, Raider Damuni, Paki Finau, Jaron Pula, Faletau Satuala, Keanu Tanuvasa and Cade Uluave, all of whom represent the Cougars' deep pool of prospects. Across the nation, programs like Oregon and Hawaii also boast strong representations, underscoring the growing influence of Polynesian athletes in college football.
Selection of the finalists hinges on a combination of past performance and future potential, with the possibility of additions as the 2026 season unfolds. The finalists will be revealed on December 8, and the ultimate winner will be announced on December 15 during the Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner, scheduled for January 16, 2027. The accolade will also be recognized at the Polynesian Bowl on January 15.
The award, established to honor players who excel both on and off the field, has a storied history. Past recipients include Zach Kapono Wilson, who in 2020 led BYU to an 11‑1 record and a No. 11 final ranking, throwing for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns with a 73.4 % completion rate — a mark that surpassed Steve Young’s previous standard. In January 2025, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake was himself inducted into the Hall of Fame, further cementing the program’s legacy.
Beyond individual players, the Hall of Fame celebrates the broader contributions of Polynesian coaches, contributors and cultural ambassadors. Its permanent home at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawai'i, which opened in 2013, was made possible by the vision of Super Bowl champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa, who helped turn the center into a lasting tribute to the region’s sporting heritage.