Old Dominion Linebacker Makes Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Old Dominion linebacker Naotala has been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday. The award recognizes the best college football player of Polynesian heritage for their skill and character on and off the field.

This year’s watch list includes 81 players from 40 different NCAA Division I programs. Naotala, who received second team All-Sun Belt Conference honors last season, led the Monarchs with 88 tackles. He finished 10th in the league for total tackles.

Naotala made a significant impact on the field, leading the team in tackles during five games. He also recorded four games with double-digit tackles, including a career-high 18 tackles against East Carolina.

Starting his journey as a former walk-on, Naotala was nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy last season, which honors the top player in the nation who began their career as a walk-on.

The Monarchs will kick off their 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30, facing Indiana. Their home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, against North Carolina Central at 6 p.m. Tickets for the game are currently on sale.