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Iose Epenesa named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list
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- Iose Epenesa named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list
As the 2026 Iowa football season approaches, second-year defensive end Iose Epenesa has been named to the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list .
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field.
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The 6-foot-3, 269-pounder played in four games last year and recorded his first tackle in a 41-3 win over Minnesota in his first season on campus. The Edwardsville, Ill, product is expected to see significant playing time in 2026 for the Hawkeyes .
While at Edwardsville High School, Epenesa was a first-team all-state honoree as a senior, an honorable mention all-state selection as a junior, a four-time first-team all-conference pick, and a three-time team lineman MVP.
Finalists for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on Dec. 8 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 15.
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Iowa opens the 2026 season by hosting Northern Illinois for a 3:15 p.m. CT kickoff on Sept. 5 at Kinnick Stadium.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iose Epenesa named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list
