August 15, 2025

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Announces Watch List

News Summary

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has unveiled the Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year, featuring talented athletes from Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and Utah State University. Players such as Tausili Akana, Levani Damuni, and Kahanu Davis highlight this year’s list. Additionally, the Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2025 inductees, recognizing standout figures like Chris Kemoeatu and Kalani Sitake during a celebration scheduled for January 2025.

Hau’ula, Hawaii – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has officially announced the Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year, showcasing notable athletes from Brigham Young University (BYU), the University of Utah, and Utah State University. This year’s list features a commendable mix of talented players, highlighting their potential for the upcoming college football season.

From BYU, the Watch List includes:

Tausili Akana – A redshirt sophomore defensive end who transferred from Texas. He recorded one tackle during his time with the Longhorns last season.
Raider Damuni – A junior safety who had a productive season with a sack and 2.5 tackles for a loss. He is a native of Provo and a former standout at Timpview High School.
Siale Esera – Also a redshirt sophomore and a linebacker who recorded a sack and a tackle for a loss last season. He is a Provo native and a former Timpview High School star.
Weylin Lapuaho – A senior offensive lineman hailing from South Jordan, Utah, and a former player at Utah State/Bingham High School.
Logan Lutui – A redshirt senior defensive end who posted one sack, defensed two passes, and made 3.5 tackles for a loss last season. He is from West Valley City, Utah, and had previously made contributions at Hunter High School and Weber State.
Sonny Makasini – A redshirt junior offensive lineman from Provo and another product of Timpview High School.
Keanu Tanuvasa – A redshirt junior defensive tackle with impressive stats—including a sack, four defensed passes, and 4.5 tackles for a loss last season. He is from Mission Viejo, California.

Representing the University of Utah, the Watch List names:

Levani Damuni – A graduate student linebacker who didn’t record any stats last season. He is from Providence, Utah, and previously played for Stanford.
Spencer Fano – A junior offensive lineman from Spanish Fork, Utah, and a former Timpview High School standout.
Logan Fano – Spencer’s brother, a junior defensive end with 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss last season.
Caleb Lomu – A redshirt sophomore offensive lineman from Gilbert, Arizona.
Michael Mokofisi – A redshirt senior offensive lineman from Woods Cross, Utah, known for his performance in high school.
Tanoa Togiai – A redshirt senior offensive lineman from Rigby, Idaho, and a product of Rigby High School.
Dallas Vakalahi – A sophomore defensive tackle who netted two sacks and 2.5 tackles for a loss last season; he is from West Valley City, Utah.
Aliki Vimahi – A graduate student defensive tackle from Kahuku, Hawaii, who last season recorded two pass breakups and two tackles for a loss.

On behalf of Utah State, one notable player has been nominated:

Kahanu Davis – A senior receiver who made 12 receptions for 96 yards last season, with a standout game against Hawaii where he recorded four catches for 58 yards.

Besides recognizing current college athletes, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has also announced its Class of 2025 inductees. The honored individuals include:

Chris Kemoeatu – With Tongan ancestry, he is a University of Utah alum and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning First-Team All-American honors in 2004.
Jim Nicholson – Of Samoan ancestry, Nicholson played at Michigan State University and later in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers for eight years.
Kalani Sitake – Head coach at Brigham Young University, recognized for his remarkable coaching achievements, with a career record of 71-43.

The Class of 2025 will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, scheduled from January 17 to 19, 2025. This multi-day celebration will encompass the Polynesian Bowl, an Enshrinement Ceremony, and a Celebration Dinner.

The inductees were chosen from a competitive pool of over 100 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, comprised of former NFL players and coaches, solidifying their legacy within the realm of football.

Founded in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to the remarkable contributions of Polynesian athletes in football. Its permanent site is located within the Polynesian Cultural Center, symbolizing a rich cultural heritage intertwined with sports.

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Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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