Spencer Fano and Makai Lemon Named 2025 Polynesian College Football Players of the Year
Two of college football’s brightest stars - Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon - have been named the 2025 Polynesian College Football Players of the Year, honoring not only their elite performance on the field but also the integrity and cultural pride they bring to the game.
This award, presented annually by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, recognizes the most outstanding college football players of Polynesian ancestry. And this year, Fano and Lemon didn’t just meet the standard - they set a new one.
Spencer Fano: The Wall in the Trenches
Let’s start with Spencer Fano. The Utah sophomore didn’t just hold the line - he owned it.
Fano started all 12 games for the Utes and didn’t allow a single sack all season. That’s not a stat you gloss over. In a conference loaded with elite edge rushers, Fano’s consistency and dominance in pass protection stood out in every film room across the country.
His efforts earned him the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman. He also picked up First-Team All-Big 12 honors and was named a First-Team All-American - a trifecta that speaks volumes about his impact in the trenches.
Fano, who is of Samoan ancestry, played with a blend of power, poise, and technical precision that made him a nightmare for opposing defensive lines. His footwork, hand placement, and awareness were all next-level, and his ability to anchor against bull rushes or mirror speed off the edge made him one of the most complete linemen in the country.
Makai Lemon: Big Plays, Big Moments
On the other side of the ball, Makai Lemon lit up defenses all season as USC’s top receiving threat.
Lemon hauled in 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns - numbers that not only led the Trojans but put him among the nation’s elite. His route running was crisp, his hands were reliable, and his ability to create separation made him a go-to target in every situation.
The Biletnikoff Award - given to the top wide receiver in college football - now has his name on it. And like Fano, Lemon earned First-Team All-Conference honors (Big Ten) and a First-Team All-American nod to cap off a stellar campaign.
Of Hawaiian ancestry, Lemon’s game was built on explosiveness and precision. Whether it was a deep post, a sideline toe-tap, or a contested grab in the red zone, he delivered. Week after week, he showed up when USC needed him most - and he did it with the kind of flair and focus that turns heads and earns respect.
A Celebration of Culture and Excellence
"On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, we congratulate Spencer and Makai on being named the Polynesian College Football Players of the Year," said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder. "Their exceptional talent has inspired their teammates and the entire Polynesian community. We are proud to recognize their achievements and look forward to celebrating Spencer and Makai next month in Hawai‘i."
The award will be formally presented at the 2026 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 17, with both players also being honored during the 2026 Polynesian Bowl the day before.
This recognition isn’t just about stats or trophies - it’s about impact. Fano and Lemon have become role models for young Polynesian athletes, showing what’s possible when talent, hard work, and cultural pride come together on the biggest stages in college football.
A Legacy of Greatness
Since its inception in 2014, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has highlighted some of the most dynamic players in the game. Past winners include names like Marcus Mariota, Tua Tagovailoa, Penei Sewell, and Talanoa Hufanga - all of whom went on to make their mark in the NFL.
This year’s honorees join that elite company, and if their 2025 seasons are any indication, their football journeys are just getting started.
Other Finalists Who Made Their Mark
Fano and Lemon stood atop a talented group of finalists, including:
- Jacob De Jesus (WR, Cal)
- Noah Fifita (QB, Arizona)
- Olaivavega Ioane (OL, Penn State)
- Iapani Laloulu (OL, Oregon)
- Caleb Lomu (OL, Utah)
- Jayden Maiava (QB, USC)
- Francis Mauigoa (OL, Miami)
- Cade Uluave (LB, Cal)
Each of these players brought something special to the field this season, showcasing the depth of Polynesian talent across college football.
Honoring the Game, Honoring Heritage
Established in 2013 by Super Bowl champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma‘a Tanuvasa, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its home at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawai‘i stands as a tribute to the legacy and future of Polynesian excellence in football.
And with the Polynesian Bowl - the premier all-star game featuring top high school seniors - continuing to grow in stature, the pipeline of talent is only getting stronger.
For now, though, it’s Spencer Fano and Makai Lemon’s moment. They didn’t just play great football - they represented their communities, their families, and their heritage with pride and purpose. And in doing so, they’ve etched their names into a legacy that’s bigger than the game.