The Arizona Wildcats had a strong presence in Hawaii over the weekend.
Future Arizona quarterback Oscar Rios and linebacker Dash Fifita competed in the Polynesian Bowl, which is an all-star showcase for 2026 recruits.
Former Arizona star wide receiver and Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Tetairoa McMillan attended the Polynesian Bowl to support Fifita, who's the younger brother of Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.
The weekend was capped by former Arizona tight end Brandon Manumaleuna getting inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
Manumaleuna, former USC and NFL linebacker Rey Maualuga and former Hawaii receiver Chad Owens made up the 2026 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame class.
Manumaleuna said his father grew up near the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame in Laie, Hawaii.
UA's Brandon Manumaleuna attempts to block out Texas Christian University's London Dunlap during the second quarter in Fort Worth, Texas in 1999. UA won 35-31.
"Being this close to where our family story began makes this moment even more personal and incredibly meaningful," Manumaleuna said in his speech. "For the longest time, I was known as Big Frank's son. I carried that name with pride. As I played sports myself, I became to be known as Brandon.
"Football for me was my classroom for 25 years. From the recreation fields in Carson, California, to Narbonne High School, to the University of Arizona, to the NFL. Every snap, every opportunity, every lesson has helped shape me who I am today. Football was never a destination, it was just a tool. Being forever enshrined in the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame means my family's legacy will live on beyond this moment."
Manumaleuna signed with Arizona out of Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, in 1997. He initially started at Arizona as a defensive lineman, but switched to tight end and became a second-team All-Pac-10 tight end in 1999. Manumaleuna's second season at Arizona was the Wildcats' 12-1 season that resulted in the UA beating Nebraska in the 1998 Holiday Bowl, which is still considered the best season in program history.
Chicago Bears tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (86) runs after a catch as Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Peterson (98) pursues in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010. Chicago won 24-20.
Manumaleuna finished his college career with 40 catches for 544 yards and three touchdowns. Manumaleuna was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He played five seasons with the Rams, four seasons with the San Diego Chargers and ended his career in 2010 with the Chicago Bears.
In 10 years in the NFL, Manumaleuna had 115 receptions for 1,008 yards, 13 touchdowns and 48 first-down catches.
Manumaleuna is in the Arizona Stadium Ring of Honor for his 10-year NFL career.
"Where you come from matters and anything is possible when you stay rooted, disciplined and committed to your path," Manumaleuna said. "Today is about legacy and giving back and it's about laying the foundation for the young men sitting here and the ones that played in the game (on Friday)."
