HONOLULU — The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame today announced the 2025 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
The list includes seven members of the BYU football team — Tausili Akana (defensive end), Raider Damuni (safety), Siale Esera (linebacker), Weylin Lapuaho (offensive line), Logan Lutui (defensive end), Sonny Makasini (offensive line) and Keanu Tanuvasa (defensive tackle).
The Award is presented annually to the outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The 2025 watch list is composed of 81 players from 40 different FBS schools.
Candidates for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award were selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2025 season progresses.
Finalists for the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on Dec. 9, with the winner being announced on Dec. 16. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on Jan. 17, 2026, and will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl on Jan. 16.
Former BYU All-American and current Miami Dolphins quarterback, Zach Kapono Wilson, received the award in 2020 after leading the Cougars to a 11-1 record and a No. 11 final ranking. The junior passed for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns, while completed 73.4 percent of his passes — good for a new BYU record, eclipsing the previous mark held by NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.
BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake was inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame on January 19, 2025, at an enshrinement ceremony held at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawai'i.