Nico Iamaleava, the senior quarterback from UCLA, has been named to the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. He is one of 69 players and seven quarterbacks recognized for this honor, which acknowledges outstanding college athletes of Polynesian descent. Iamaleava, a finalist for the same award in 2024, has shown impressive skills on the field, including a standout performance against No. 7 Penn State in 2025. The award emphasizes both athletic excellence and character, and the 2026 selection criteria include past performances and future potential.

By the Numbers
  • Iamaleava has completed 449 of 702 passes for 4,858 yards and 34 touchdowns in his career.
  • He added 934 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns over 29 career games.
State of Play
  • The 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List features 81 players from 40 NCAA Division I programs.
  • Finalists for the award will be announced on December 8, 2026, with the winner revealed on December 15, 2026.
What's Next

As the season progresses, additional players may join the Watch List. Iamaleava will aim to build on his previous achievements and strengthen his candidacy for the award during the upcoming games.

Bottom Line

Iamaleava's selection to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List solidifies his status as a leading figure in college football, demonstrating both his exceptional talent and the cultural significance of his achievements.