HONOLULU-Thursday, Utah sophomore offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea was named as a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year as confirmed by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

The durable Laumea is of Samoan ancestry and started every game for the Utes in 2022 as they won their second consecutive Pac-12 title.

Other contenders for the award include the following:

San José State junior defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko (9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles)

Baylor junior defensive lineman Siaki Ika (2 tackles for a loss)

UCLA junior defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 11 tackles for a loss)

Oregon junior linebacker Noah Sewell (1.5 sacks, interception, 5.5 tackles for a loss)

Maryland senior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (2,787 passing yards, 17 TD’s/6 INT’s; 68.6 percent completion percentage)

Ohio State sophomore defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau (2 interceptions, 3.5 sacks, forced fumble)

USC junior defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (12.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 21 tackles for a loss).

The winner of this award will be announced December 13.

Previous winners include former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and former Alabama star quarterback Tuo Tagovailoa who is presently starring with the Miami Dolphins.