Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu has just been granted a ninth year of eligibility by the NCAA. That means he’ll be back for the 2026 season, which is wild when you think about it.
This decision is a huge moment in Tuliaupupu’s college football saga. His time in the sport has been anything but straightforward, full of injuries and unexpected turns.
Montana announced the news on social media. They also mentioned that sixth-year offensive lineman Dylan Jemtegaard will return.
Tuliaupupu started out at USC in 2018. He was a highly-touted linebacker, but his college career quickly turned into a test of patience and grit.
The Long Road to Montana
Solomon Tuliaupupu’s college football story began at USC in 2018. People had high hopes for him as a linebacker.
But injuries hit hard, and he never got to play during his undergraduate years. In 2018, a bad foot injury meant surgery and a long recovery.
Just as he seemed to be bouncing back, he suffered a knee injury in 2020. That one needed surgery too, and it kept him on the sidelines again.
Because of these back-to-back injuries, Tuliaupupu never really got the chance to show what he could do at USC in those early years.
Overcoming Setbacks
Still, he kept pushing. In 2022, as a redshirt senior, he finally played a full season—14 games for the Trojans.
He notched 10 tackles, three of them for a loss, and even got a quarterback hurry. After so much rehab and frustration, just being on the field for a whole season was a big deal.
Another Hurdle
Then came another blow in 2023. An injury forced Tuliaupupu to miss the entire season, testing his resolve all over again.
He didn’t give up. In 2024, he managed to play seven games for USC, but then illness sidelined him yet again.
It seems almost unfair, but his determination stayed rock solid through it all.
Transition to Montana
By 2025, Tuliaupupu decided to transfer to Montana. He was looking for a clean slate and maybe a little luck.
That first season at Montana was technically his eighth in college football, but only his second full season on the field. The move felt like a turning point, a chance to finally play the game on his own terms.
Playing Under New Leadership
Now, Tuliaupupu will suit up for Montana under new coach Bobby Kennedy. Kennedy is stepping in after Bobby Hauck, who left for Illinois to become the defensive coordinator after briefly retiring.
With a fresh coaching approach and Tuliaupupu’s experience, Montana’s defense could look pretty different this year. There’s something about a player who’s been through the wringer that brings a special edge to a team.
The Significance of a Ninth Year
The NCAA granting Tuliaupupu a ninth year is pretty much unheard of. It’s a nod to everything he’s endured and a chance for him to really leave his mark.
Honestly, it’s hard not to root for a guy who’s been knocked down so many times but keeps getting back up. The NCAA seems to get that, too.
Impact on Montana’s Team
Tuliaupupu’s return should give Montana’s defense a real shot in the arm. He brings leadership, grit, and a perspective most players just don’t have.
Having a teammate who’s fought through so much can be inspiring. It might just rub off on the rest of the squad.
Looking Ahead
As Tuliaupupu gears up for his ninth season, there’s a real buzz around what’s next. His story is all about sticking with it, even when things get messy.
Fans and teammates are waiting to see him back out there, hopefully healthy and ready to make the most of this rare opportunity. If nothing else, he’s proof that sometimes, stubbornness is a virtue.
A Story of Inspiration
Tuliaupupu’s story isn’t just about football. It’s about pushing through obstacles, hanging on to hope, and chasing dreams even when the odds look rough.
His journey speaks to athletes and honestly, anyone facing challenges. It’s a reminder—setbacks aren’t the end. Sometimes they’re just the start of something better, if you let them be.
If you want to dig deeper into Solomon Tuliaupupu’s path and his return to Montana, check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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