According to Tennessee Athletics, The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame revealed on Thursday that Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, linebacker Keenan Pili and defensive lineman Jaxson Moi were selected to the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. This year’s list is composed of 96 players ranging from 37 different FBS schools.
Iamaleava is the only SEC quarterback to be named to the prestigious list and is one of only four quarterbacks included overall. The Long Beach, California, native enters his second season with the program after serving as the backup quarterback and playing in five games during his true freshman season in 2023.
Pili lands himself on the watch list for the second consecutive season. The exceptional linebacker is poised for a standout season as a leader on the Tennessee defense, returning for his seventh collegiate season in 2024.
Moi, a junior, is preparing for a significant role on the Vols’ defensive unit