Epenesa Named Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Candidate

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa 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. 

Epenesa (6-foot-3, 269 pounds) played in four games as a rookie. The native of Edwardsville, Illinois is expected to see significant playing time in 2026.

 
As a prep 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. 

Iowa opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 hosting Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. (CT).

HAWKEYES ON 2026 WATCH LISTS
* Iose Epenesa - Polynesian Player of the Year Award
* Trevor Lauck – Outland Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Eli Ozick – Lou Groza Award
* Kade Pieper – Outland Trophy | Rimington Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Zach Lutmer – Nagurski Trophy
* Jayden Montgomery - Wuerffel Trophy | Butkus Award
* Kamari Moulton - Doak Walker Award
* DJ Vonnahme – Mackey Award