Aug. 20, 2026, 12:08 p.m. PT
The Oregon Ducks’ connection to Polynesian players and culture is well documented. While he wasn’t the first Polynesian player to come to Eugene, Marcus Mariota’s Heisman run with the Ducks opened the gates for the program to bring more players from the islands to the West Coast. In 2026, the Ducks’ roster is well represented with players with ties to the islands and the potential to make an impact.
Oregon’s roster this season is loaded with more Polynesian players, some of whom figure to play a massive role in the Ducks’ success this season. The Polynesian College Player of the Year Award is annually presented to the nation’s best Polynesian player who “exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field.” The Ducks landed six players on the list and could bring the award back to Eugene again. Here are the Ducks who made the watch list heading into the season:
OL Dave Iuli OL Iapani Laloulu QB Dylan Raiola EDGE Teitum Tuioti EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei OL Douglas Utu Dylan Raiola is the only player listed who is a defined backup this season, sitting behind Dante Moore. Douglas Utu is in a battle to start at one of the guard spots, but he figures to be part of any rotation along the offensive line all season long. Meanwhile, Dave Iuli (when healthy), Iapani Laloulu, Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei are entrenched as senior starters in line for pivotal roles this season.
Since the award was created in 2014, the Ducks have brought it back to campus twice. Mariota won the inaugural award in 2024, while offensive tackle Penei Sewell shared the award in 2019 with former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Oregon also has a pair of former players in the Polynesian Hall of Fame.
Tight end Russell Ross Francis was inducted in 2015 as a contributor after starring for the Ducks and becoming a first-round draft pick in the NFL in 1975. He won a Super Bowl and made three Pro Bowls in his 13-year career. Haloti Ngata, who is also in the College Football Hall of Fame, was inducted into the Polynesian Hall of Fame in 2020.
Also a former first-round NFL draft pick, Ngata won a Super Bowl and was a two-time first-team All-Pro as a pro. In Eugene, Ngata was a consensus first-team All-American and was named the Pac-12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. His son, Sam Ngata, is now committed to the Ducks. With six players on the watch list, among the most of any program, the Ducks have a tremendous chance to win the award again this season. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
