Penn State football offensive lineman Vega Ioane made the Polynesian College Football Player Of The Year watch list, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday.

The annually presented award is given to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who demonstrates ability and integrity on and off the field. No Nittany Lion has won the award, but past winners include former Big Ten players Penei Sewell, Haskell Garrett, and Taulia Tagovailoa. Depending on the season, players from both sides of the ball are eligible to win the award in the same year.

Ioane is expected to take yet another leap in ability this season after being selected to the All-Big Ten second team by the coaches and media in 2024. The offensive lineman has already made the watch lists of the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, while also making the Preseason All-America teams by The Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation.

The Graham, Washington, native was on the preseason watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year heading into the 2024 season, but first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan took home the honors.