HONOLULU – Six members of the University of Hawai'i football team – defensive lineman Jonah Kahahawai-Welch, offensive lineman Sergio Muasau, wide receiver Jonah Panoke, offensive lineman Eliki Tanuvasa, defensive lineman John Tuitupou, and offensive lineman Solo Vaipulu – were named to the watch list of the 2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award  
 
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The Watch List is composed of 85 players from 41 different FBS schools.
 
This year marks the fourth time that Vaipulu was named to the watch list (2019, '21, '22) while the third time for Panoke (2021, '22). Kahahawai-Welch was also named to the watch list last year while Muasau, Tanuvasa, and Tuitupou are first-time mentions.
 
No UH player has ever won the award however four were finalists – Darius Muasau (2020), John Ursua (2018), Jahlani Tavai (2017), and Scott Harding (2014). 
 
The winner of the 2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 14. Five finalists will be unveiled on November 30. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner (January 20, 2024) at the Sheraton Waikiki, and they will also be recognized at halftime of the Polynesian Bowl (January 19, 2024).