Montana Linebacker Granted Ninth Season of NCAA Eligibility

Solomon Tuliaupupu will return to college football for the 2026 season after NCAA waiver

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

University of Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu will return to college football for the 2026 season after being granted a ninth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Tuliaupupu, who began his career at USC in 2018, has dealt with multiple injuries during his college career, including surgeries on his foot and knee. He will tie the record for the longest tenured player in college football history.

Why it matters

Tuliaupupu's extended eligibility highlights the challenges some student-athletes face due to injuries and the NCAA's willingness to grant waivers in certain cases. His story also showcases the perseverance of college football players who overcome obstacles to continue their careers.

The details

Tuliaupupu will play his second season with the Montana Grizzlies in 2026 after beginning his career at USC in 2018. He missed the entire 2023 season due to injury and played in only seven games in 2024 before missing time due to illness. Tuliaupupu still had a COVID-19 year of eligibility remaining, which was granted to all NCAA athletes as a result of the pandemic-affected 2020 season. He transferred to Montana in 2025 and played in five games, tallying 11 total tackles and two forced fumbles.

  • Tuliaupupu began his college career at USC in 2018.
  • He underwent two surgeries, one on his foot in 2018 and another on his knee in 2020.
  • Tuliaupupu missed the entire 2023 season due to injury.
  • He played in only seven games in 2024 before missing time due to illness.
  • Tuliaupupu transferred to Montana in 2025 and played in five games.

The players

Solomon Tuliaupupu

A linebacker for the University of Montana who has been granted a ninth season of NCAA eligibility for the 2026 season.

Cam McCormick

A former tight end for Oregon and Miami who played nine seasons from 2016 to 2024, believed to be the longest tenured player in college football history at the time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

By all accounts, this will be Tuliaupupu's final season of eligibility.

The takeaway

Tuliaupupu's extended eligibility demonstrates the NCAA's willingness to grant waivers to student-athletes who have faced significant challenges due to injuries and other setbacks during their college careers. His story highlights the perseverance and determination required to overcome obstacles and continue playing the sport they love.