Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau was included on the preseason watch list Thursday for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award, presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry.
Tuimoloau was one of 85 players included on the watch list. He is primed for a breakout junior season with the Buckeyes after posting 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season, as well as a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble.
“This award means so much to our people, and allows us to showcase the tremendous impact that our Polynesian student-athletes are having on the game of football,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder and Inductee. “We look forward to following all of the players on their journey this season.”
The watch list will be updated throughout the season, with finalists to be announced on Nov. 30 and the winner to be announced at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner on Jan. 20, 2024. The award was won last season by USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu, and Ohio State has one previous winner, as defensive lineman Haskell Garrett won the honor in 2021.
