A Watch List That Celebrates Polynesian Talent
Jirah Leaupepetele, a defensive lineman for Washington State University, has been named to the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, a roster that highlights the nation’s most promising athletes of Polynesian heritage.
The 68‑player list spans 35 NCAA Division I programs and reflects a tradition that began in 2014, when the award was created to honor excellence on the field and integrity off it. Leaupepetele’s inclusion follows a three‑year stint at Eastern Washington University, where he appeared in 24 games and logged 24 tackles before transferring to Pullman in January 2023.
The watch list draws its pedigree from a lineage of standout Polynesian players, among them Marcus Mariota, Tua Tagovailoa, and Hercules Mata’afa, each of whom has been celebrated for their skill and sportsmanship. The award’s past honorees also include Jesse Sapolu, Neil Everett, Steve Wyche, and Manti Te’o, figures who have left indelible marks on college football.
Announcement of the finalists is slated for December 8, 2026, with the ultimate winner to be revealed on December 15. The ceremony will unfold during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 16, 2027, and will be complemented by the Polynesian Bowl on January 15. The Hall of Fame, headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, has inducted 50 members as of 2023, underscoring its role as a cultural touchstone for athletes from the Pacific.
For Leaupepetele, the recognition is more than a personal milestone; it reflects the growing visibility of Samoan and broader Polynesian talent in collegiate sports. As the Cougars prepare for the upcoming season, his presence on the watch list adds a narrative of perseverance and pride that resonates far beyond the gridiron.