HONOLULU, HAWAII (SMU) – Sophomore offensive lineman
Abel Hoopii was added to the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watchlist, the organization announced Thursday.
Presented annually, the award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field. This year's list features 68 players from 35 different NCAA Division I programs.
Hoopii, a native of Anianiku, Hawaii made his collegiate debut against East Texas A&M last season. He appeared in 10 games throughout 2025, playing primarily on special teams. The Farrington High School product was a consensus three-star prospect by On3, 247sports, ESPN and Rivals.
The finalists and winner will be selected by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, comprised of Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson (Chairman, former NFL player and Inaugural Inductee), Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL player and Inaugural Inductee Olin Kreutz, Inaugural Inductee and past NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL Network Chief National Reporter Steve Wyche, and former NFL Player and Class of 2023 Inductee Manti Te`o.
Finalists for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 8th, 2026 and the winner will be announced on December 15th, 2026. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 16th, 2027), and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 15th, 2027).
About the Polynesian Hall of Fame
Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa have personally made the Polynesian Football journey. It is this experience that inspired them to establish the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame in 2013 to honor Polynesia's greatest players, coaches and contributors.
The permanent home of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This beautiful gallery showcases the achievements of the inductees and Polynesian football legends with plaques, photos, mementos, an interactive display and a Wall of Honor. The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of Hawai'i's largest tourist destinations, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually, which allows us to share the incredible journey and impact of Polynesian football players with the world.
