Pair Tabbed to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List
8/14/2025 11:30:00 AM | Football
Duo among 81 nationally to earn spot on preseason watch list
HOUSTON – Houston Football linebacker Sione Fotu and defensive lineman Khalil Laufau secured spots on the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
Fotu joined the Cougars after three seasons of play at Utah, missing the 2021 and 2022 seasons while serving in a church mission. Last year, he played in eight games with three starts at linebacker, tallying 19 tackles, two pass breakups and a QB hurry in 176 defensive snaps. Overall, Fotu has appeared in 25 games (six starts) and collected 50 tackles and four passes defended.
Laufau, another member of the 2025 signing class for Houston, spent two years at Washington State before heading to the Bayou City. Last season, he posted an 80.0 Pro Football Focus run grade, which placed him 19th among Group of 5 interior linemen after tallying 16 tackles, including 5.0 for losses and 4.0 sacks during the 2024 campaign. Laufau has played in 19 career games, including three starts at defensive tackles, while earning 28 tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks.
Presented annually, the award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field. This year's list features 81 players from 40 different NCAA Division I programs. Fotu and Laufau are two of six selections from a Texas school, with Houston being the only school in the state of Texas with multiple honorees.
Finalists for the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 9, 2025, and the winner will be announced on December 16, 2025. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 17, 2026), and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 16, 2026).
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2025 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 2 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Stephen F. Austin, Colorado, Texas Tech, Arizona, West Virginia and TCU. To purchase season tickets, click here.
TWO-GAME MINI PLAN
Want some flexibility? Buy a two-game mini-plan which includes the Colorado game and one game of your choice between Stephen F. Austin, Arizona, West Virginia or TCU. Mini plans start at just $85. To purchase a mini-plan, click here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing season tickets, and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Fotu joined the Cougars after three seasons of play at Utah, missing the 2021 and 2022 seasons while serving in a church mission. Last year, he played in eight games with three starts at linebacker, tallying 19 tackles, two pass breakups and a QB hurry in 176 defensive snaps. Overall, Fotu has appeared in 25 games (six starts) and collected 50 tackles and four passes defended.
Laufau, another member of the 2025 signing class for Houston, spent two years at Washington State before heading to the Bayou City. Last season, he posted an 80.0 Pro Football Focus run grade, which placed him 19th among Group of 5 interior linemen after tallying 16 tackles, including 5.0 for losses and 4.0 sacks during the 2024 campaign. Laufau has played in 19 career games, including three starts at defensive tackles, while earning 28 tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks.
Presented annually, the award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field. This year's list features 81 players from 40 different NCAA Division I programs. Fotu and Laufau are two of six selections from a Texas school, with Houston being the only school in the state of Texas with multiple honorees.
Finalists for the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 9, 2025, and the winner will be announced on December 16, 2025. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 17, 2026), and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 16, 2026).
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2025 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 2 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Stephen F. Austin, Colorado, Texas Tech, Arizona, West Virginia and TCU. To purchase season tickets, click here.
TWO-GAME MINI PLAN
Want some flexibility? Buy a two-game mini-plan which includes the Colorado game and one game of your choice between Stephen F. Austin, Arizona, West Virginia or TCU. Mini plans start at just $85. To purchase a mini-plan, click here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing season tickets, and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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