Three Wildcats Named to Polynesian College Player of the Year Award Watch List
08/21/2026 | Football
TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Football quarterback Noah Fifita, defensive lineman Mays Pese, and offensive lineman Rhino Tapa'atoutai have all been named to the 2026 Polynesian College Player of the Year Award watch list, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced this week.
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. The Wildcats trio of honorees are among 68 players from 35 different programs represented on the watch list.
Fifita, the nation's active career leader with 73 touchdown passes, returns to lead the Wildcats offense after throwing for 3,228 yards and 29 touchdowns. Over the course of his career with Arizona, Fifita has amassed 9,183 yards and 73 touchdowns through the air while leading the team to 20 wins as a starter.
Pese, who enters his second season with the Wildcats in 2026, played in all 12 games last year as a true freshman and made an immediate impact. In his first taste of collegiate action he tallied 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one half of a sack.
Tapa'atoutai, a senior in the trenches for Arizona, has played in 13 games with eight starts over the last two years and earned time on 595 offensive snaps. He was a vital part of the Wildcats offensive line that paved the way for nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns last season.
Finalists for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 8th, 2026 and the winner will be announced on December 15th, 2026. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 16th, 2027, and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl on January 15th, 2027.
The Wildcats kick off the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
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. The Wildcats trio of honorees are among 68 players from 35 different programs represented on the watch list.
Fifita, the nation's active career leader with 73 touchdown passes, returns to lead the Wildcats offense after throwing for 3,228 yards and 29 touchdowns. Over the course of his career with Arizona, Fifita has amassed 9,183 yards and 73 touchdowns through the air while leading the team to 20 wins as a starter.
Pese, who enters his second season with the Wildcats in 2026, played in all 12 games last year as a true freshman and made an immediate impact. In his first taste of collegiate action he tallied 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one half of a sack.
Tapa'atoutai, a senior in the trenches for Arizona, has played in 13 games with eight starts over the last two years and earned time on 595 offensive snaps. He was a vital part of the Wildcats offensive line that paved the way for nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns last season.
Finalists for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 8th, 2026 and the winner will be announced on December 15th, 2026. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 16th, 2027, and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl on January 15th, 2027.
The Wildcats kick off the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
Tickets
Season tickets, single-game tickets, mini plans, and more options for the 2026 Arizona Football season are available for purchase now. Fans who don't want to miss a minute of the action at Casino Del Sol Stadium this fall can secure their tickets by clicking HERE or by calling 520-621-CATS (2287) today.
Players Mentioned
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