University of Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu is making headlines by returning to college football for the 2026–27 season. It marks his ninth year of eligibility.
This unprecedented decision, granted by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), makes Tuliaupupu one of only two players in NCAA history to compete at the college level for nine years. His journey, packed with injuries, medical redshirts, and transfers, says a lot about how college athletes are stretching out their careers these days—sometimes for financial reasons like NIL deals.
The Unprecedented Journey of Solomon Tuliaupupu
Solomon Tuliaupupu started his college career at the University of Southern California (USC). But major foot and knee surgeries in 2018 and 2020 kept him off the field for multiple seasons.
The NCAA’s medical-redshirt rule gave him extra eligibility. Tuliaupupu finally played in 2022, then transferred to the University of Montana in 2025.
His story really shows how much grit it takes to stick with college sports through setbacks. The landscape is changing fast.
Medical Redshirts and Extended Eligibility
The NCAA’s medical-redshirt rule lets athletes who suffer serious injuries apply for an extra season. Tuliaupupu’s case pushes the limits, but it shows how much this rule can stretch a college career.
With multiple surgeries and long recovery periods, he ended up with nearly a decade in college football. That’s not something you see every day.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic also changed the game. The NCAA gave all athletes affected by the pandemic an extra season, which added even more time to Tuliaupupu’s eligibility.
This extension helped a lot of athletes whose seasons were thrown off, letting them keep playing without losing a year.
The Financial Incentives of Staying in College
One big reason athletes like Tuliaupupu are sticking around? The money. NIL deals opened the door for college athletes to make real income from their name, image, and likeness.
Since 2021, top players have been cashing in, and even those without pro prospects can make enough to make college worth their while.
NIL Deals and Revenue Sharing
Football players, especially quarterbacks, tend to rake in the most from NIL deals. For example, Texas’s Arch Manning reportedly has an NIL value of $5.6 million. Oregon’s Dante Moore is estimated at $3 million annually.
Most players aren’t making millions, but top football athletes can still pull in tens of thousands. The NCAA’s revenue-sharing model gives universities in major conferences $20.5 million a year to share with athletes, making it even more tempting to stay in school.
The Role of Athletic Scholarships
Athletic scholarships are another big factor. They usually cover housing, meals, and tuition, which adds up fast.
Over nine years, the total value of these perks can easily reach six figures. For a lot of athletes, that’s a deal too good to pass up.
The Broader Trend in College Athletics
Tuliaupupu’s long college run isn’t just a football thing. Athletes in other sports are staying in school longer too.
Financial incentives, athletic scholarships, and extended eligibility are all reshaping how college athletics works.
Basketball and Other Sports
Basketball has seen some wild stories lately. Charles Bediako at the University of Alabama came back to college basketball after a stint in the NBA G-League.
James Nnaji, picked in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft, managed to return to college play as well. The rules are more flexible than ever, and athletes are making the most of it.
Challenges and Criticisms
Not everyone is thrilled about this trend. Legendary basketball coach John Calipari has said he’s worried older players are taking spots from younger athletes.
He thinks the NCAA needs to figure out the transfer portal and eligibility rules if they want to keep college sports fair.
The Future of College Athletics
College athletics is changing fast. Financial incentives and extended eligibility are huge factors in this shift.
Schools are now hiring general managers to handle these new complexities, kind of like pro teams do. It’s a whole new world for managing athlete compensation and recruitment.
The Role of General Managers
Many schools have started bringing in general managers to handle recruitment and keep rosters competitive. They help navigate informal salary caps and make sure athletes are getting what they need.
This move really shows how college sports are becoming more professional—maybe more than anyone expected a decade ago.
The Impact on Younger Athletes
Extended eligibility and financial incentives offer plenty of benefits for athletes. But let’s be real—they also stir up some worries about younger players trying to break in.
When older athletes stick around longer, it’s tougher for newcomers to grab scholarships or earn playing time. That extra competition can be a real hurdle for the next wave of talent.
Solomon Tuliaupupu’s nine-year college football run is wild, honestly—a sign of how much college sports are changing. His path, with all the injuries, redshirts, and shifting incentives, says a lot about what’s happening in the bigger picture.
If you’re curious about Tuliaupupu’s full story or just want to see how these trends are shaking up college athletics, check out the article on MarketWatch.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
