Three California Bears football players鈥擩aron-Keawe Sagapolutele, AJ Tuitele, and Sioape Vatikani鈥攈ave been added to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Polynesian College Player of the Year Award. This recognition honors the most outstanding college player of Polynesian heritage, emphasizing talent and integrity. The watch list features 68 players from 35 NCAA Division I programs. Sagapolutele made history as a freshman by throwing for over 200 yards in all 13 games, while Tuitele, a recent transfer, was the top player in Nevada during high school. Vatikani, recognized for the third consecutive year, contributed substantially to last season's success.

By the Numbers
  • Sagapolutele recorded over 200 passing yards in all 13 games of his freshman season.
  • Tuitele tallied 167 tackles, including 37 for loss, in his senior high school season.
State of Play
  • The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will announce finalists on December 8, 2026.
  • The winner will be revealed on December 15, 2026.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the performances of Sagapolutele, Tuitele, and Vatikani will be closely monitored, especially as they aim for standout seasons that could enhance their chances for the award. Coaches and fans will also watch how these players contribute to Cal's overall performance.

Bottom Line

The inclusion of these three Bears on the watch list underscores their potential impact in college football, with each player looking to build on strong prior performances and represent their heritage with pride.