Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu has been granted a ninth year of eligibility by the NCAA, allowing him to return for the 2026 season. This announcement comes as a significant boost for the team, as Tuliaupupu is a key player with a unique story. After a challenging start to his collegiate career, marked by two major injuries, Tuliaupupu is now poised to make a strong impact at Montana.
Tuliaupupu's journey began at USC in 2018, but his time there was cut short due to a series of setbacks. He suffered a foot injury in 2018, followed by a knee injury in 2020, both requiring surgery. These injuries sidelined him for his entire undergraduate career at USC, leaving him with just two full seasons of play and three seasons of game action.
His first season at Montana, in 2022, was his eighth overall and just his second full season played. He made his debut as a redshirt senior, appearing in all 14 games for the Trojans and recording 10 tackles, including three for a loss, and one quarterback hurry. However, a return to the sidelines with another injury in 2023 meant he missed the entire season.
Tuliaupupu's USC career came to an end in 2024, as he played in seven games before his season was cut short due to illness. He then transferred to Montana in 2025, where he will play under new coach Bobby Kennedy. Kennedy is a seasoned coach, taking over from Bobby Hauck, who has now been named defensive coordinator at Illinois after a brief retirement.
With this extension of eligibility, Tuliaupupu will have the opportunity to further develop his skills and contribute to Montana's success. His unique path to this point makes him a valuable asset to the team, and his return is sure to be a significant boost for the program.
