Solomon Tuliaupupu Awarded Remarkable Ninth Year

Ninth Year Of Eligibility Granted To College Football Player

When you think about someone going to school for nine years, you probably picture a doctor or a lawyer.

A college football player is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But that is exactly what is happening in Missoula next season.

Injuries Led To Solomon Tuliaupupu’s Extended NCAA Eligibility

Solomon Tuliaupupu has officially been granted a ninth year of eligibility, tying the record set by Miami’s Cam McCormick, who played from 2016 to 2024.

So how does someone end up playing college football for nearly a decade? In Solomon’s case, it comes down to injuries. A lot of them.

A foot surgery sidelined him for his first two years at University of Southern California (USC). Then a knee injury in training camp wiped out the 2020-21 season. He finally made his USC debut in 2022.

Another knee injury in 2023 cost him that entire season before he was able to return midway through 2024.

What This Means For Montana Football And Head Coach Bobby Kennedy

When you add it all up, Tuliaupupu has really only had about three full seasons during his eight-year college career. That likely played a big role in the NCAA granting him year number nine.

That is welcome news for new University of Montana head coach Bobby Kennedy, who steps in after Bobby Hauck’s surprising retirement. Hauck then made headlines again by taking the defensive coordinator job at Illinois.

Solomon is coming off a solid season with 43 total tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Not bad for a guy heading into year nine.