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Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu has been granted a ninth year of eligibility and he’s coming back for the 2026 season, the school announced on social media. It’s a remarkable extension for a player who originally signed with USC back in 2018.
Tuliaupupu’s story is one of perseverance through injuries that have derailed what could’ve been a decorated career. He finished the 2025 season with 43 total tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles — helping the Grizzlies reach the FCS playoff semifinals.
That 2025 campaign marked just the second time in his entire college career that he’s played a full season.
The linebacker has missed at least five years due to various injuries. After coming in as a four-star recruit from California’s Mater Dei High School, foot surgery kept him off the field for his first two seasons with the Trojans.
Then a knee injury during summer workouts sidelined him for 2020-21. Tuliaupupu finally made his USC debut in 2022, finishing that year with 10 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Another knee injury in training camp before the 2023 season cost him that entire year. He returned midway through USC’s 2024 season and appeared in nine games before transferring to Montana.
Do the math — Tuliaupupu’s only been on the field for three seasons across an eight-year span. That’s likely the argument that got him approved for one more year of eligibility, though the NCAA hasn’t publicly detailed its reasoning.
The timing’s big for new Montana coach Bobby Kennedy, who’s taking over for program legend Bobby Hauck. Hauck resigned and moved to Illinois’ coaching staff as defensive coordinator after winning 151 games, capturing eight Big Sky titles and making 13 FCS playoff appearances with the Grizzlies.
Tuliaupupu is now entering his second campaign at Montana, giving Kennedy an experienced linebacker who – when healthy – has shown he can produce at a high level.
