Seven members of the BYU Cougars football team have been recognized for their heritage and talent, earning spots on the prestigious Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List. The award, presented annually by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, honors the top college football player of Polynesian ancestry, acknowledging not only athletic excellence but also the cultural pride and values that Polynesian players bring to the game.
This year’s watch list features a deep group of Cougar standouts, representing multiple positions on both sides of the ball. Their inclusion reflects BYU’s long-standing tradition of recruiting and developing Polynesian athletes, who have been integral to the program’s success for decades. From dominant offensive linemen who anchor the trenches to explosive skill players capable of changing a game in a single play, these seven players embody the strength, discipline, and teamwork that the award celebrates.
The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has grown in prominence since its inception, often spotlighting athletes who go on to excel at the professional level. For BYU, having seven nominees is not only a point of pride but also a testament to the team’s depth of talent and cultural connection. Head coach Kalani Sitake, himself of Polynesian descent, has often emphasized the importance of family, community, and heritage—values that align perfectly with the spirit of the award.
Throughout the season, these players will have the chance to showcase their abilities on the national stage, with the potential to advance from the watch list to the finalist stage later in the year. For Cougar fans, it’s another reason to be excited about the upcoming season—a celebration not just of football skill, but of the vibrant Polynesian influence that continues to shape the program’s identity and suc
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