Two USC Trojans named to 2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watchlist
USC defensive lineman Stanley Ta’ufo’ou and Tyrone Taleni have been named to the 2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watchlist.
The award has only been given since the 2014 season, but it’s one that means plenty to certain schools, including USC. The Trojans have a rich history of standout Polynesian players and are one of three schools to produce multiple winners of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
Plenty of attention has centered on USC’s additions to the defensive line via the transfer portal this offseason. Still, both Ta’ufo’ou and Taleni return as key veterans who will play significant roles for the Trojans up front.
Ta’ufo’ou recorded 27 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and one sack last season. He also had two fumble recoveries while starting 13 games and playing in all 14 for USC. He brings 46 career tackles and seven sacks in 25 starts into the 2023 season.
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Taleni came over before the 2022 season from Kansas State via the transfer portal. He was still somewhat new to football but blossomed quickly at USC. Taleni recorded 25 tackles, including five sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss last fall. He forced a fumble and started the final nine games of the season. Taleni was named to the AP All-Pac-12 Second Team for his work.
USC and the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award
USC will be looking to produce its third Polynesian College Football player of the Year. Safety Talanoa Hufanga shared the award with BYU quarterback Zach Wilson in 2020. And defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu won it following his outstanding 2022 season.
Trojans have also had success at other levels as well. Talanoa received the inaugural Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award in 2017. And wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is the only two-time Polynesian NFL Player of the Year, winning in 2017 and 2018.
