Iose Epenesa Earns Polynesian Watch List Honor | Iowa Hawkeyes Football News

Iose Epenesa, Iowa’s rising defensive end, is heating up the college football scene after landing on the Polynesian Player of the Year watch list — a prestigious honor recognizing top-tier talent with integrity and heritage pride. Just his second year, he’s already made an impact with four games last season and is poised for bigger roles in 2026. A standout high school lineman with multiple all-state honors, Epenesa’s early recognition signals major potential. Finalists will be announced Dec. 8, with the winner revealed Dec. 15 — and fans can catch his Hawkeyes debut against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5. This is just the beginning for a player who’s turning heads and representing his roots with grit. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6a6a78423e725fe9