University of Houston Athletics
Fotu, Laufau Tabbed to Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List
8/20/2026 3:12:00 PM | Football
Salt Lake City, Utah natives named to top Polynesian award watch list
DALLAS – University of Houston Football defensive lineman Khalil Laufau and linebacker Sione Fotu were named to the Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List for the second consecutive season as Cougars on Thursday.
Laufau, a 2026 Outland Trophy Watch List honoree and Preseason All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, posted a season-high two tackles for loss in Houston's Texas Bowl win over LSU and recorded two sacks on the season as one of the Cougars' interior linemen that helped slow the running game.
The Salt Lake City, Utah, native recorded a season-high seven tackles at Oregon State and recorded multiple tackles in 10 of 12 games.
Fotu, a Phil Steele Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth-Team selection, started 12 of the 13 games he played in during his first season as a Cougar in 2025. His 56 tackles ranked fifth on the team and are second-most by returning Cougars. The Salt Lake City, Utah native earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week accolades following his 15-tackle performance at Oregon State (9/26/25).
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Laufau, a 2026 Outland Trophy Watch List honoree and Preseason All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, posted a season-high two tackles for loss in Houston's Texas Bowl win over LSU and recorded two sacks on the season as one of the Cougars' interior linemen that helped slow the running game.
The Salt Lake City, Utah, native recorded a season-high seven tackles at Oregon State and recorded multiple tackles in 10 of 12 games.
Fotu, a Phil Steele Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth-Team selection, started 12 of the 13 games he played in during his first season as a Cougar in 2025. His 56 tackles ranked fifth on the team and are second-most by returning Cougars. The Salt Lake City, Utah native earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week accolades following his 15-tackle performance at Oregon State (9/26/25).
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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