LARAMIE, Wyo.  (August 20, 2026) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the Watch List for the 2026 Polynesian College Player of the Year Award and Wyoming defensive end Esaia Bogar was named to the list. 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 69 players from 36 different NCAA Division I programs.
 
Bogar appeared in 10 games with one start for the Cowboys. He finished the season with 13 total tackles. He finished the season with seven solo stops and six assisted tackles. He also added 1.5 tackles for loss along with a sack. He recorded a career-high four tackles in his Cowboy debut against Northern Iowa. He recorded his first career sack against Fresno State. He added two tackles and a half tackle for loss against Colorado State.  
 
"The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become a defining measure of excellence within the Polynesian football community," said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. "This is true because it aligns with our cultural beliefs of respect, humility, work ethic and pride that represents and defines us."

The 2026 Watch List was compiled based on past performance and potential for the upcoming season. Additional players will be added to the Watch List as the year unfolds. 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).