Announcing the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame
December 2, 2025 (Honolulu, HI) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame proudly announced its Class of 2026 today, honoring three individuals whose achievements have left a lasting impact on the game of football and the Polynesian community.
This year’s class features Rey Maualuga (Samoan Ancestry), Chad Owens (Hawaiian Ancestry), Brandon Manumaleuna (Samoan Ancestry).
“On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, it is our privilege to welcome and celebrate the Class of 2026,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder and Inductee. “Their accomplishments on and off the field have inspired generations. We look forward to honoring them in Hawai`i this January.”
The Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, January 16–18, 2026. Events will include the Polynesian Bowl, the Enshrinement Ceremony, and the Celebration Dinner.
The Inductees were selected from a field of over 100 nominees and eight finalists by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, comprised of Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson (Chairman, former NFL player and Inaugural Inductee), Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL player and Inaugural Inductee Olin Kreutz, Inaugural Inductee and past NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, former NFL player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL Network Chief National Reporter Steve Wyche, and former NFL Player and Class of 2023 Inductee Manti Te`o. In addition to the Selection Committee, all living Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Inductees cast votes to select the Class.
CLASS OF 2026
REY MAUALUGA (LB) USC; Pro (CIN, MIA)
9 years professionally, Samoan ancestry
- Chuck Bednarik Award Winner (2008)
- Unanimous All-American (2008)
- Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2008)
- 3x First-Team All-Pac-10 selection
- Over his NFL career (nine seasons), he played in 120 games (starting 108)
CHAD OWENS (WR) Hawai’i; Pro NFL and CFL (JAX, TB, CFL)
13 years professionally, Hawaiian ancestry
- Hawaii’s All-Time Career Yardage Leader With 5,451 All-Purpose Yards
- 2nd Team All-American (2004)
- CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award (2012), 2X CFL Grey Cup Champion
- 4x CFL All-Star (2010-2012, 2014); Selected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2024
BRANDON MANUMALEUNA (TE)Arizona; Pro NFL (STL, SD, CHI)
10 years professionally, Samoan ancestry
- Second Team All-PAC 10
- Unanimous All-American (2011 & 2012)
- Career Stats: 115 receptions, 1,008 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns.
- After his NFL career, he became a High School football coach.
About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma`a Tanuvasa. There are currently 51 inductees. For more information, visit PolynesianFootballHOF.org.
About the Polynesian Bowl: The Polynesian Bowl is the premier all-star game played annually in Honolulu, Hawai`i that features 100 of the nation’s top ranked high school seniors of Polynesian and non-Polynesian ancestry alike – many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. Past MVPs include AJ Epenesa, Puka Nacua, Travis Hunter, Nico Iamaleava, Dakorien Moore and Husan Longstreet. The game is broadcast live and in primetime on NFL Network. For more information, visit PolynesianBowl.com.