Manu Selected To Polynesian College Football Player Of The Year Watch List
August 20, 2026 | Football
SEATTLE – Washington linebacker Jacob Manu has been selected to the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list.
The award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field.
Manu, a fifth-year player from Santa Ana, Calif., played in five games for Washington last season. He made his debut for the Purple and Gold against Ohio State. Over his career between Washington and Arizona, Manu has compiled 241 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He led the Pac-12 in tackles in 2023 with 116 on his way to earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors. He was also twice named the Lott IMPACT trophy Player of the Week during that season.
Manu is also a nominee for the Campbell Trophy, college football's premiere academic award often known as the "Academic Heisman."
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).
Washington Preseason Watch Lists
Dodd Trophy – Jedd Fisch
Allstate Good Works Team – Landen Hatchett
Maxwell Award – Demond Williams Jr.
Rimington Trophy – Landen Hatchett
Lou Groza Award – Tyler Robles
John Mackey Award – Decker DeGraaf
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – Landen Hatchett
Butkus Award – Xe'ree Alexander
Ray Guy Award – Hunter Green
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award – Demond Williams Jr.
Davey O'Brien Award – Demond Williams Jr.
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year – Jacob Manu
The award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field.
Manu, a fifth-year player from Santa Ana, Calif., played in five games for Washington last season. He made his debut for the Purple and Gold against Ohio State. Over his career between Washington and Arizona, Manu has compiled 241 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He led the Pac-12 in tackles in 2023 with 116 on his way to earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors. He was also twice named the Lott IMPACT trophy Player of the Week during that season.
Manu is also a nominee for the Campbell Trophy, college football's premiere academic award often known as the "Academic Heisman."
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).
Washington Preseason Watch Lists
Dodd Trophy – Jedd Fisch
Allstate Good Works Team – Landen Hatchett
Maxwell Award – Demond Williams Jr.
Rimington Trophy – Landen Hatchett
Lou Groza Award – Tyler Robles
John Mackey Award – Decker DeGraaf
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – Landen Hatchett
Butkus Award – Xe'ree Alexander
Ray Guy Award – Hunter Green
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award – Demond Williams Jr.
Davey O'Brien Award – Demond Williams Jr.
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year – Jacob Manu
Players Mentioned
LB
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TE
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OL
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LB
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PK
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QB
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