Washington State defensive lineman Jirah Leaupepetele has landed on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, with the Polynesian Hall of Fame making the announcement Thursday.
The annual award recognizes the top college football player of Polynesian ancestry who shows strong play and integrity on and off the field. This year’s watch list includes 68 players from 35 NCAA Division I programs. Washington State already has a winner in the award’s history, with Cougar defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa taking the honor in 2017.
“The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become a defining measure of excellence within the Polynesian football community," said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. “This is true because it aligns with our cultural beliefs of respect, humility, work ethic and pride that represents and defines us.”
Leaupepetele is a redshirt-junior from Apple Valley, Calif., who transferred to WSU in January after spending his first three seasons at Eastern Washington. Of Samoan decent, he played in all 12 games last season and finished with 24 tackles. Over his three seasons with the Eagles, he appeared in 24 games.
The 2026 Watch List was built from past performance and what players could bring this season, and more names will be added as the year goes on. The finalists will be announced on December 8th, 2026, with the winner to follow on December 15th, 2026. The award presentation will take place during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 16th, 2027, and the honorees will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl on January 15th, 2027.
The award has been handed out since 2014 and has recognized a notable list of players. Past recipients include Sefo Liufau (2016) of the University of Colorado; Hercules Mata'afa (2017) of Washington State University; Tua Tagovailoa (2018 & 2019, two-time honoree) of the University of Alabama / Atlanta Falcons; Penei Sewell (2019) of the University of Oregon / Detroit Lions; Talanoa Hufanga (2020) of the University of Southern California / Denver Broncos; Zach Kapono Wilson (2020) of BYU / New Orleans Saints; Haskell Garrett (2021) of Ohio State; Tuli Tuipulotu (2022) of USC / Los Angeles Chargers; Laiatu Latu (2023) of UCLA / Indianapolis Colts; Taulia Tagovailoa (2023) of the University of Maryland; Tetairoa McMillan (2024) of the University of Arizona / Carolina Panthers; Mekai Lemon (2025, co-recipient) of USC / Philadelphia Eagles; and Spencer Fano (2025, co-recipient) of Utah / Cleveland Browns.
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame says it honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and it was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma`a Tanuvasa. The Hall of Fame currently has 50 inductees.
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