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. 

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.

On display 💪

Iose Epenesa ➡️ Polynesian CFB POY Watch List 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Pg6UBSqv3q

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 20, 2026

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. 

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