ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year on Thursday.
McMillan edged Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ State offensive tackle Leif Fautanu, Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau for the award.
“I am truly humbled and blessed to receive the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award,†McMillan said in a video on social media. “I want to say thank you to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame committee for blessing me with this prestigious honor. ... God has blessed me with many gifts, talents and opportunities and I hope to use that to inspire others.
“For the Polynesian players who came before me, you guys have laid the foundation and set the precedence for me and future generations. I am a product of all who came before me. My ancestors have paved the way for me to be successful today. They inspired me to be where I am and who I am. They also taught me the importance of humility and gratitude. I hope that I can be a reflection of Polynesian culture not only through my play, but my character. Mahalo.â€
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ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan answers questions near the tail end of Day 2 of Big 12 football Media Days on July 10, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
McMillan was recently named an Associated Press First-Team All-American, AP All-Big 12 selection and received All-America honors by Pro Football Focus, CBS, Athlon Sports and 247Sports.
This season, McMillan totaled 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns. McMillan also had 430 yards after catch this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
In three years at ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥, McMillan recorded a school-record 3,423 yards and 26 touchdowns, which is the third-most in program history. McMillan passed current ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ wide receivers coach Bobby Wade for the career receiving record in the final road game at TCU.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ receiver Tetairoa McMillan, right, flips a salute after hauling in the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥â€™ only score of the afternoon in the third quarter against ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ State in the 98th Territorial Cup on Nov. 30, 2024, at ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Stadium.
McMillan has 1,162 yards after catch in his career and his 213 career receptions ranks fourth in UA history behind Mike Thomas, Wade and Dennis Northcutt. McMillan owns the single-game receiving record with 304 yards and four touchdowns, which he set in the season opener against New Mexico in August.
McMillan officially declared for the NFL Draft last week and is expected to land in the Top 10.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star’s ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
